Deep, concentrated purple-red colour; the aromas are likewise bright, fresh intense and bold: white pepper, freshly picked herbs and red fruits including raspberry. There is a generous measure of whole-bunch tied up in this. The flavour is impressively intense and focused, elegant and spicy, long and penetrating. The tannins are velvet smooth but are doing their job beautifully. Lovely now and will surely reward keeping. A ripping cool-climate shiraz. Points: 96/100
Spice-driven aromas of wild blackberries, blood plums, citrus peel, white pepper and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with fine tannins and integrated acidity, giving notes of blueberries, river stones and cured meat with a floral edge. Co-fermented with 2% viognier, giving lift and perfume. Points: 94/100
This is a pretty syrah. It’s floral and the fruit has a sweetness and while there are ample herb and spice notes around the edges – it does come across as syrah – the flowers-and-raspberries aspect is the main driver. Black cherry, smoky oak, peppercorn and perhaps a dab of graphite character are in the picture here. This wine won an award at the 2023 Yarra Valley Wine Show and it’s easy to see why; it’s pretty, it’s well powered, and it’s impeccable. Points: 95/100
A single-block shiraz; 60% whole cluster co-fermented with 2% viognier and matured mainly in puncheons together with one large foudre. A medium, bright, crimson purple. The first Tarraford syrah since '18, this promptly won the Trophy for Best Syrah at last year's Yarra Valley Wine Show. Aromas of dark cherries, blueberries and graphite, with the viognier adding some exotic allspice and incense notes. Concentrated, tightly focused and beautifully balanced. Impressively long on the floral-infused finish. Super wine. Points: 97/100
