Payne’s Rise Brody’s Block Pinot Noir/Syrah 2024

A blend of 55% Syrah and 45% Pinot Noir, from vines aged 18 and 25 years respectively. Fifteen percent was matured in new French oak barriques, with the balance in two- and three-year-old 500-litre oak, contributing structure rather than overt oak character. Total time in barrel was six months. The colour is striking: an opaque bluish purple-red, reminiscent of a glorious Australian dusk. The nose is exuberant and deeply vinous, so alive it almost seems to greet you. Fresh red cherry leads, followed by blood plum, açai berry and mulberry, with a hint of pomegranate. On the palate, it is incredibly pleasant and moreish, avoiding any candied or overly sweet fruit character. Instead, there is a subtle twist of bitter-edged fruit tannins, supported by fine-grained structure. Plenty of fruit intensity and well-balanced sweet and pungent spices, green peppercorn, clove and dark chocolate, drive the wine forward. A fantastic result.