Winemaker Notes
The 2019 H Syrah is deep red with bright purple hues. It offers aromas of violet florals, rhubarb and cherry. Fruit-forward, with fine tannins and flavors of pomegranate, cardamom and satsuma plum on the palate, this wine is delicate in texture and elegant in structure.
This wine is ideally served slightly chilled, with dishes like pulled pork tacos or Peking duck pancakes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Marked by scents of black olives, mixed berries and a whiff of asphalt, the 2019 H Syrah shows ample ripeness and suppleness on the palate, an attractive mix of fruity and savory flavors and a long, silky-textured finish. Approachable now, it should continue to drink well for at least 4–5 years.
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Wine Enthusiast
This modern Shiraz opens with a burst of grape jelly, although it steers clear of confection. Bass notes recall graphite, dried herb and spice. The bombastic fruit appears on the palate, but it feels fresh and juicy, with plenty of acidity. The tannins are chiseled, savory and chalky in texture. It's full in feel but not overly dense.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
A narrow band of hills and valleys east of the city of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills region is a diverse landscape featuring a variety of microclimates. In general it is moderate with high-altitude areas cooler and wetter compared to its warmer, lower areas.
Piccadilly Valley, the part of Adelaide Hills closest to the city, was first staked out by a grower named Brian Croser, in the 1970s for a cool spot to grow Chardonnay, then uncommon in Australia. Today a good amount of the Chardonnay goes to winemakers outside of the region.
Producers here experiment with other cool-climate loving aromatic varieties like Pinot Gris, Viognier and Riesling. Charming sparkling wine is also possible. On its north side, lower, west-facing slopes make full-bodied Shiraz.