Burton McMahon Syme on Yarra Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020

Year in, year out, the Syme on Yarra Vineyard remains the pick of the Burton McMahon pinots. In 2020, a difficult year, it continues its run delivering a wine of obvious class. A huge part of the appeal is its cool, high Upper Yarra Valley site which contributes a pinot less immediately fruity and fresh, but rather one that explores deeper varietal reaches. A hot November in the lead-up to the 2020 season – the hottest month on record – affected flowering and reduced subsequent yields. A difficult season to be sure, but it brought added concentration to the finished wine.

Wildly aromatic bouquet in dark cherry, cranberry, tomato leaf and dried herb. Structured and detailed with a firm presence amid the textural tannins, it slowly unfurls in the glass, beautifully, magically. This is why we get excited by the pinot grape.