Swinney - Farvie Syrah - 2021

The 2021 Farvie Syrah is lighter and finer than the Mourvèdre, yet it is darker in the glass and more mouthfilling. I suppose, in some ways, the flavor profile here is more expected, yet the tannic structure of the thing is more refined and sleek than I have seen in previous vintages. There are notes of blackberry, star anise, iodine, blueberry, licorice and a slash of bone broth. It also has black pepper and aniseed, but not in the warm-climate framework that we are used to seeing/experiencing from regions like Barossa or McLaren Vale. It is odious to compare, I concede, but important from a contextual standpoint. This is Frankland, with its own signature. Syrah continues to be sourced from the two blocks—Powderbark and Wilsons Pool, both home to the WA clone—the Houghton massal selection. This saw no new oak (as per usual), and comes in at a very modest 13.5% alcohol. It is a profoundly elegant wine now, but it will only be better, more complex, more svelte and more complete as time wears on. 97+ Points Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate