2023 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.

2023 vintage in the Adelaide Hills was characterised by cool and dry conditions throughout summer, which slowed ripening and extended the harvest period.

This prolonged ripening allowed for excellent flavour development and acid retention in the Syrah grapes. The cooler temperatures particularly benefited the development of complex aromatics and spice notes typical of Adelaide Hills Syrah.

Parcels of Shiraz were selected from the Bird in Hand Estate in Woodside planted with clones Tahbilk, 2626, 1654 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 15 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 red cherries with violet florals and herbal spice.

On the palate, the wine showcases a medium body with a refined structure. Bright acidity, characteristic of the cool Adelaide Hills climate. There is an abundance of concentrated flavours of mulberries and red plum. Savoury elements of cured meats and olive tapenade sneak through the mid palate and fine-grained tannins provide a supple yet firm texture.