2022 Bird in Hand Syrah

Our Bird in Hand Syrah is a wine that marries tradition with innovation and pioneers a new direction for Australian wine, showcasing the potential of Adelaide Hills' cool climate fruit.

2022 vintage in the Adelaide Hills was characterised by lower-than-average winter rainfall, varied spring time conditions, mild summer and favourable autumn conditions enabling even ripening and retention of natural acidity.

Parcels of Shiraz were selected from the Bird in Hand Estate in Woodside planted with clones Tahbilk, 2626 and 1127, specifically targeted to a cool climate Syrah style. Sustainability underpins the management of our Estate Vineyard, with all inputs from organic origins, and vines nurtured to encourage their fullest expression.

With minimal intervention winemaking at the heart of this Syrah, bunches were handpicked and gently de-stemmed at harvest. 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, spending 10 days on skins. 

The wine was then barrel fermented for 16 months in large format tight grained French oak barrels (25% new oak).

The resulting wine has intense ruby and purple hues, and lifted aromatics including blackberry and blueberry with violet florals and herbal spice. The palate is medium bodied, with supple fruit weight. Fine and focused tannins give the wine tremendous structure and length, to develop beautifully in bottle for over 10 years.