Citadine Gruyere Syrah 2010

I'm sure many have developed a fondness for the good stuff after a stint at that renowned seat of learning Cambridge University, but I am unsure as to how many have entered the wine industry after sequencing yeast genomes.

Kirby Simering fits this pattern, and cites winemakers such as Gary Mills of Jamsheed and the Churches formerly of Warramate, as key influences, winemakers in the 'traditional' mould.

This 2010 Syrah was sourced from 10 year old vines off of the Warramate Vineyard, since acquired by the group that owns leading Barossan winery Kaesler.

Seeing 50% whole bunch, Kirby stating he saw good levels of ripeness in the stems, delivering tanning from the grape - not the oak.  Opens with stalky and funky notes - a nose gardeners would no doubt be familiar with.  Yet, it was testament to the quality of the fruit that it showed a generous heart of black fruits, and continued to do so over the three days I had it open.

Fine and generous through the middle, the onset of spice - szechuan spice - early, and persistent as it travels through the palate.  It spreads, creeps, keeps moving up slowly...a movement of acid edging things further.

Tannin is fine, length generous.  Savoury with hints of beefy complexity, utimately demonstrating finesse and power; grace and charm.  92 - Very Good


Tasted on: Thursday 22nd November, a Flower Day
Source: Sample
Price: $34
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.citadine.com.au/

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