Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2023 Syrah The Rocks District Of Milton Freewater spent 18 months on the lees. It’s savory, structured, and infused with lavender, boysenberry, dark earth, wet stones, and olive tapenade, and made with 50% stem inclusion via a “sandwich method” (stems in the center). Full-bodied but not heavy, with silky texture and youthful fruit, drink 2027-2040.

Savoury and poised, this Syrah, a blend of two Rocks District sites, Rockbar and River Rock Vineyard, expresses the classic terroir of this region, one that stands alone in its expression here in the New World. Aromas of dense bramble berries, smoke, Chinese five spice and dessicated violets. The palate exhibits a lively elegance that is often lacking in wines from this appellation. There’s a lift to the red fruits that streak through an umami-driven flavour profile of hoisin, smoky soy and Moroccan spices.