Not a Shiraz – Mayer Syrah 2019, Yarra Valley, Australia

Small production, artisanal Australian Syrah from a cooler climate. It indeed has nothing to do with bold Oz Shirazes. I found their Close Planted Pinot Noir 2012 quite stunning earlier this year, and while this Syrah is also pretty, it hardly comes close.

A restrained, savoury red that’s more akin to French reds than to New World Shirazes. Almost shy on the nose, stemmy but not green. Ripe fruits but with cool climate liveliness. Better on the palate, smooth and refined, completely dry (just like classic French reds) but soft acidity makes it quite velvety. Lovely tannins give perfect firmness and grip towards the finish. So Burgundy-like in many aspects, including charm. It could show more Syrah varietal character (I found not much) but it has soul. Drinks well, too.

Rating: very good to outstanding, 89-90 points. 
Price: 44 €.
Stockist: K&U Weinhalle.
Tasted: September, 2020.
Value: a bit pricey, but it’s a special wine, worth trying once.
Drinking window: now-2024, I expect it to improve a bit.
Source: own purchase.