Swinney Farvie Frankland River Syrah 2023

55% whole bunch, wild ferment, 10 months in large-format seasoned oak. Like a Renaissance painting, this is multi-layered yet detailed, deeply pigmented and takes time to unveil its full story. Plush with a wild tumble of brambles, bushes and deep undergrowth, followed by a rumble of blue metal gravel. Yet, there’s a real brightness and it is the fruit that shines through any hint of oak. Purple plum skin, Sichuan pepper, sumac, barberry, black velvet rose petals, unfurling wood smoke and a slightly flinty slated minerality. There’s a delicacy here amongst the plushness and structure, a lifted purity of wild violet florals. The detail here is finely woven, despite the bold shape and initial impact. Acidity skips along the palate, but it’s the velvety and sumptuous tannins that make this wine. Whilst still in its infancy, there is a real lift and freshness on the nose, which means you won’t be disappointed if you open it today. That is, unless you open another in a few years’ time and realise what you missed…. A true beauty. Spectacular.