Prelude Syrah 2020

This 100% Syrah is deep red to black in colour. Intense initial aromas of dark cherries, fruit cake and all spice extend to beautiful, concentrated aromas of miso paste and molasses with a final burst of dried flowers and violet. This wine has a seamless integration of oak and tannins with a silky palate, well rounded finish, beautiful length and a lasting vibrance.

1ha of Syrah vines were planted in 2016. This varietal tends to have very vigorous growth therefore careful attention is required to ensure optimal balance between vegetative and reproductive growth. As the ripening season progresses any under ripe fruit is dropped from the vine to allow the vine to concentrate all its energy to ripening the top-quality bunches.

The grapes were handpicked during the cool hours of the morning. They spent 12-24 hours in the cold room prior to processing. All sorting of the grapes were done by hand: first whole bunch sorting, followed by de-stemming, then berry sorting. Any under or overripe fruit was discarded. The sorted berries were gently crushed, just to perforate the skin, and transferred into stainless steel tanks where they underwent alcoholic fermentation. Once alcoholic fermentation was complete, the wine was drained and the remaining solids pressed. Both were transferred into French oak barrels but kept separately.

The Syrah is matured in 2nd and 3rd fill French oak barrels for 18 months. Blending of the parts then takes place. The wine then spent a further 12 months in the bottle before being released.