Savage Syrah Girl Next Door 2018

The knarled wind battered and salt affected 13-year-old trellised vines are made to struggle. This 0.38 hectare vineyard on sandy gravels overlooking the Atlantic normally yields little more fruit than a meagre 200 cases in a good year. 100% Syrah using 70% whole-bunches spends two weeks on its skins followed by malolactic and 10 months ageing in old neutral 600 litre barrels. Always beautifully deep, rich and textured, the nose has a beguiling complexity of earthy black currants, sweet black peppercorns, black olive tapenade and cured meats. The mind and senses start wondering to foreign shores long before you even put the first sip in your mouth.

Fabulously tight knit, creamy, mineral and restrained, blueberry nuances slowly give way to tart black cherry and sour raspberry coulis on the long, lingering finish. Peppery mineral tannins guide this wine confidently and elegantly. Drink from release over the next 8 – 10+ years.