Vanguardist V Syrah 2023

The 1.3ha of shiraz on the Vanguardist-farmed Rende vineyard was prior contracted out, but the expiration of that agreement allowed for this bottling, and many more, no doubt. This saw 60% whole bunch and an extended four weeks on skins, then maturation for 17 months in one-year-old puncheons. Compressed black fruits and subdued red ones, nothing spilling out, cured meat, anise, violet, pepper, black tea, struck iron, coffee bean and graphite. It’s more mid-weight, not in depth, just heft, with a savoury demeanour, a purposeful linearity. Fruit intensity is enmeshed in structure, tannins are so finely tooled, intricately woven, quietly at work, red fruits swelling, building up and fanning out through the long finish. A sensational debut. - 97 points Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion