Syrah Hoffman Dallwitz, Sami-Odi 2023

Intriguingly perfumed and complex, with lifted aromas of wild blackberries, blood plums, potpourri, graphite, dried herbs and ferric earth. The palate is medium-bodied with finely integrated tannins and tightly wound acidity, giving notes of mocha, cassia bark, lavender and graphite, Truly exceptional, with an almost perfect balance between finesse and power. Drink or hold.

Fraser McKinley has nailed the cooler 2023 vintage with his Hoffmann Dallwitz release. It's essential; as in it presents itself as a pure essence of northern Barossa syrah with the characteristic Ebenezer compression and a sense of detail that only comes with an obsession for site expression and the craft of gentle winemaking. It's concentrated and presents with impressive fruit density, but there's a beautiful energy and freshness to its form. As always, the fruit is pure and perfectly poised; black cherry, blackberry, boysenberry and blue fruits. The cut of spice is deep and exotic, floral flecks and raspberry pip lift, a glimpse of dried herbs, dried meats and violets in the rear-view mirror with an earthen overtone with compact, powdery tannins as the wine fades out. Superb.