Vignerons Schmölzer & Brown Prêt-à-Rouge Beechworth 2022

A blend of Syrah, Pinot Noir and a small amount of Sangiovese. A subdued wine to start, but it opens up beautifully with berry fruits and emergent spice. Macerated strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, cherry, dried herbs, twigginess, earth, a lick of minerality and a glimmer of walnut. A nice mix of fruit and savoury, particularly at this price point. The palate has a sweet burst of fruit – cherry and blueberry leading the charge, before damp leaf, oregano and some red apple skin tang. The tannins are chalky and energetic. This is delicious drinking, and a steal at $35.