2021 Walsh Block Syrah
 
Grown by Long term friends Frank & Kerry Walsh, directly over the road on the same soil type as Eastern Peake weathered basalt on grey loam. First established with pinot noir in 1995 then a second 1 acre planting in 2003 of the famed Syrah (Clone PT23). 2020 was a very tough season for most, the Syrah is tucked away behind the pinot noir which delivered a beautiful crop, low pressure growing season, Cropping levels were great due to the later flowering, a really good fruit set. Harvested 2/04/2020, destemmed over 30% whole bunches, Fermented naturally in a wax lined open concrete vat 3000L, basket pressed 17/04/2020, 12 months élevage in 500L & 228L casks, no fining or filtering, bottled 30/08/2021
A small amount of sulphur post malo & pre bottling.
 
Mike Bennie
The Wine Front
Rated : 94 PointsTasted : APR22Alcohol : 13%Price : $45Closure : DiamDrink : 2020 - 2030
From the block over the back fence at Eastern Peake, the neighbours grow a patch that results in three to four tonnes. Lovely to meet the humans who own the vines too; and to taste the wine in their and the Latta family’s company.
Red cherry, smoky paprika characters, Chinese five spice, some minty notes. An almost pinosity to the texture and weight but for darker fruit characters, black olive, more liquorice and alpine herb notes and a lengthy, gently chewy finish with blood orange freshness closing, long. Has this gulpability and yet plenty of detail. Very good.