2012 Beechworth Syrah

Warner vineyard like the Roussanne. He makes a bit of wine for the owner now so he's probably going to be allowed to put Warner on the label! 100% whole bunch. He generally picks about two weeks earlier than Giaconda. All older 500 litre barrels. Mid crimson. Heady and scented. Very savoury and energetic. Real toast and energy. (JR)

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2012 Syrah flaunts lovely black and red berry notes enveloping a core of red cherries and black raspberries plus underlying thyme, violets, black pepper and dried leaves hints. Medium-bodied, this wine is elegant and yet wonderfully intense in the mouth as it gives layers of berry, earth and herbals flavors that are supported by a medium level of grainy tannins through the long, peppery finish. Drink it now to 2019+. Imported by Ronnie Sanders, Vine Street Imports, Philadelphia, PA; www.vsimports.com

Inky ruby. Heady aromas of spicy dark berries, anise, olive and incense, with a hint of cracked pepper gaining strength in the glass. Shows excellent focus on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors that put on weight with aeration. Finishes sweet and extremely long, with resonating spiciness and fine-grained tannins.