Vintage Conditions
The 2018 growing season got off to the right start with winter rainfall 10% up on the average, however as the growing season progressed, rainfall was down throughout spring and summer. Dry soils, combined with warmer temperatures allowed for quick canopy growth and perfect flowering and fruit set. Higher than average temperatures in January and significantly higher February night time temperatures (5.8˚C above average) brought the onset of harvest earlier than normal. The Indian summer through March and April ensured both full flavour and colour development.

Vineyard Selection
The fruit is sourced from estate grown low yielding Shiraz (1654 clone) vines from Block1A that were planted in 1995. The majority of the fruit harvested has been sold to Penfolds over the last decade and has attained selection into Penfolds Grange seven times. A very small volume is retained for the production of the SYNA Shiraz

Winemaking
Daily sampling and tasting of the Shiraz grapes ensured that they were picked at optimal flavour ripeness. The Grapes were hand harvested and were destemmed and crushed into a single 5 tonne open top fermenter where twice daily pump overs were conducted to ensure maximum extraction of colour, flavour and tannins from the grape skins. At the conclusion of fermentation, the must was pressed to 100% new French oak hogshead barrels for 19 months. Each barrel was tasted and careful selection took place before the final wine was blended. The wine is neither fined, nor filteredTasting EvaluationColour: Dark core verging on black with bright crimson red rim.Aroma: Perfumed aromas of dark plums, black currant and cola. Secondary aromas of black olive, clove and nutmeg and charcuterie evolve with further swirling of the glass. Palate: Powerful, textural flavours of red currant, wild raspberry and Cherry Ripe flavours swamp the surfaces of the mouth. Subtle, velvety oak tannins envelope the fruit core with a fine acid line creating line and focus.The 2018 SYNA has plenty of nervous tension as an infant, however with further cellaring will show its true potential into its teens!