Syrah Reserve, Lismore Estate Vineyards 2021

Popping with bright red florals and notes of crushed red berries, the 2021 Syrah is fresh, elegant and focused. Medium-bodied and with 13% alcohol, the palate displays fine-grained tannins with bright, crunchy red fruit flavors before displaying elegance and grace. The wine continues to uncoil, offering seductive, spicy elements with soft notes of turned earth and a delightful savory note. 15,000 bottles were produced after the wine rested for 11 months in 15% new oak barrels. Drink 2023-2037.

The fruit on this wine is singing like a lark. A proper songbird of a wine. A hint of pepper, pink and purple pepper: molle peppercorns, the cool warmth of Sichuan pepper. Very transparent, full of wild cherries – the fruit on this has spine-tingling purity. Thirst-quenching and limpid. O'Keefe said she's had to release it too early, but I find it joyful. Irresistible, already! (TC)