2017 Topside Syrah

More floral than the Steepside Syrah, the 2017 Topside Syrah offers an herbal left with red and purple flowers, lavender and a delightful mineral essence with graphite. Full-bodied on the palate, the wine continues to evolve over the complex and elongated finish showing subtle flavors of red and black peppercorn with notes of black plum skin and dark cherries. This will show better in time—I recommend giving it one more year in the bottle, but it will come around and remain a powerhouse for the next 10 to 12 years. Just over 2,500 bottles were produced after the wine aged for just under two years in French oak barrels. Bravo, I'm going back for another sip!

Planted in 2006 at 350 m on sandstone and granite. Lively cherry red – looks younger than its age. Rich, spicy, with lifted, peppery, black fruit that gives a dark sweetness on the nose. On the palate, chewy, savoury and meaty in a good way, juicy too. Smooth, deep tannin texture, the acidity not quite integrated yet? (JH)

The 2017 Syrah Single Vineyard Series Topside is slightly brighter and more vivid on the nose compared to the Steepside with red cherries, crushed strawberry and just a light dab of dark chocolate. The oak is neatly integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy opening, very well balanced with a judicious touch of white pepper that becomes more prominent on the finish.