Artis Wines Single Vineyard Syrah 2017

I’ll be honest. I’d so enjoyed the range of whites that I found myself thinking that perhaps whites were going to be the leading lights at Artis. Perhaps the reds would not quite measure up. This wine quickly dismissed any such concerns.

Winemaker Andrew Miller has aimed for a textured, elegant style and this is spot on. The vineyard was originally planted by Brian Croser a couple of decades ago and the clones include those from Tahbilk and Wendouree. So far, so good. The clones might be planted separately, but they are harvested the same day and fermented as a single parcel. 20% of the fruit goes into an open fermenter with the rest destemmed and placed on top. Wild yeasts. Time on skins was seven weeks. Matured in French oak hogsheads, 25% new, for 14 months. 

A deep red, there is already the merest hint of maturity on the edge. The nose suggests a savoury style, very much in the Rhone mold. Leather, dry herbs, tobacco leaves, strawberries and warm earth. With good complexity, fine focus and medium length, this has an exciting future ahead.