Swinney Syrah 2021

No doubt the Rhône keeps a close eye on what goes on over here, especially in the Barossa and McLaren Vale. Now, they better start paying serious attention to these guys, although if they do, they might be more than a bit worried by what they see. Such a good range of wines here, and this isn’t even the pointy end stuff! Swinney might just be the most exciting winery to emerge in Australia over the last few years. This hails from specific sites in their Powderbark and Wilson’s Pool vineyards. The fruit is berry sorted and then to a mix of wooden and stainless steel fermenters by gravity. 22% whole bunches are included. Wild fermentation and then twelve days on skins before pressing direct to fine-grained large format French oak, of which 12% was new for 11 months maturation. Deep blood red and maroon in colour, we have notes of black fruits, chocolate, animal hides, earth, leather, spices, cloves and florals. A supple texture and there is immaculate balance at every turn plus fine satiny tannins. Bright acidity runs the full journey and helps to drive the palate with very good length. A decade or more ahead, though a cracker now. This, and other wines in this range, are really putting pressure on their big guns (the Farvie range). The score will surely go higher if you have patience.