2023 Nest Egg Syrah

The Nest Egg series is an elite group of Bird in Hand wines that have been specifically chosen by the winemaking team to receive the utmost care and attention. Limited quantities available.

The 2023 vintage in Adelaide Hills presented unique challenges and opportunities for Syrah production with a wet spring and above-average rainfall. Premium parcels of Shiraz were carefully selected from the Bird in Hand Estate in Woodside. Clones included Tahbilk, 2626, 1654 and 1127, specifically targeted to a cool climate Syrah style. Sustainability underpins the making of this Syrah, with all inputs from organic origins, and vines nurtured to encourage their fullest expression.

Bunches were handpicked and gently destemmed at harvest, undergoing minimal intervention winemaking with quality the absolute focus. Each parcel was fermented separately with a significant component of whole bunches included in each fermenter. All batches were wild fermented, which occurs in small open top fermenters.

This wine was fermented for 20 months in the finest French oak barrels for maturation. The 2023 Nest Egg Syrah is a blend of three exceptional barrels from our best vineyards. Great care is used when selecting oak for wine of this quality and concentration. Only the finest grained oak is used to enhance the wine, giving weight, drive, mouthfeel and complexity.

The bouquet is intensely aromatic, lifted and perfumed, with blackberry and blueberry fruit complemented by a touch of black pepper, violet florals, and intriguing herbal and spice component from the whole bunch fermentation.

Subtle hints of dark chocolate and a touch of vanilla from well-integrated oak aging add complexity and depth. The tannins are fine and focussed, and together with the acidity, they give the wine tremendous structure and length.

A wine with all the qualities to develop beautifully in bottle over the next 10 years. Cellaring potential to 2037.