Syrahmi’s first vintage was in 2004, just a few hundred cases. Despite such humble beginnings it’s hard to overestimate the impact that Adam Foster has had on our perception of shiraz, or syrah if you will. Not only did he rewrite the book in an Australian context, he did it from one of the hottest, most inhospitable wine regions – Heathcote, famous for making classically massive Australian shiraz. What’s more, he did this with a great amount of respect and without falling into the trap of being too “different”, or oppositional to the traditional styles. He just preferred another way, and his way is fantastic.
But it’s not all about shiraz. Syrahmi is a micro negoce too, sourcing grenache, pinot noir, chardonnay and sangiovese from vineyards around Victoria. There is a common, delightful thread that runs through all the wines. Hand picked, naturally fermented with no additions, accept for small amounts of sulphur. New oak is used sparingly and malo may be blocked in the whites for freshness retention. The reds will usually see a large proportion of whole bunches, and in our view, Adam has an excellent understanding of their relationship with Syrah; his wines never being overtly “bunchy” or displaying unpleasant roast beetroot characteristics still too commonly found.
Syrahmi’s home vineyard is in Tooborac and is the most southerly planted vineyard in Heathcote. It is a high density planting and cool; the only problem being its tiny size of 0.35 of an hectare. Ah well. The secret might be out, but Adam and Syrahmi keep a low profile so you might get lucky, and we hope you do, his wines are beautiful.
A blend of three Heathcote vineyards, handpicked, whole bunch, wild fermented, hand and foot plunged and aged in seasoned and new French oak. Without a doubt, one of Australia’s best value contemporary Syrah. Medium bodied and silky/slippery, with five spice, blackberry, blueberry, dark cherry, plum, lavender, soy and fresh compost. A wine of terrific flow and energy.
Syrahmi Garden of Earthly Delights Pinot Noir 2021
A beautiful wine from one of the very best pinot regions in Australia. Blue, black and red fruits, lavender, violets, geranium, compost, autumn leaves, smoke and dried herbs. Tense, silky, interwoven fruit with savoury elements, and complex tannins. Vibrant, buoyant and deep, a wine of layers and great detail. Huge potential.
Syrahmi Garden of Earthly Delights Chardonnay 2021
Explosive chardonnay here with tangy citrus, white peach, pink lady apple, dried herbs, orange blossom and sandalwood. Compact, tense and coiled, full of energy and drive. Lip smacking freshness, mineral and saline. Tremendous, with a very long life ahead.
