Coates 'The Syrah' 2021
The Wine
The Syrah grapes were destemmed and partial crushed then fermented for thirty days on skins using natural yeasts. Pressing was conducted using a small ½ tonne Mori basket press that gives a great flavour and tannin profile but makes for a very long day. Maturation in 25% new French barriques and 75% used French barrels provides a hint of savoury oak character whilst allowing the Syrah varietal and regional characters to be expressed unhindered. The use of mixed cooperages (Seguin-Moreau, Nadalie, Marsannay, Remond, Darguad & Jaegle) provides complexity, integration and harmony with our intended style. Two rackings and regular topping are the only time the wine is disturbed post malo with 18 months spent in wood. Bottling date is determined when the tannin and oak balance feel right, with a further 6 months spent in bottle prior to release. The traditional approach used to make The Syrah precludes the use of the additives and fining agents such as tannins, enzymes, egg, fish or milk products. Bottled unfined and unfiltered in October of 2022. Coates Wines
95 points Ned Goodwin MW - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion 'This is fine, the clutch of reduction pressed ever so gently against a framework of oak, serving to infuse a sense of tension as much as a lattice of structure. Cooler climatic allusions of iodine, blue fruits, tapenade, salumi and violet. The drive, long and fresh, belying any sense of warm-climate origins. Little wonder given the top cru portions of Clarendon and Blewitt Springs fruit in the mix. Drink by 2030.'
The Details
Variety - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - South Australia
Sub Region - McLaren Vale
Extra - Screwcap
Year - 2021
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker
Duane Coates has a long held passion for Australian and overseas wines.
He expanded his winemaking training with vintages in Burgundy with Chateau Demessey, the Rhone Valley with Domaine Francois Villard and the Douro Valley with the Fladgate Partnership (Taylor’s).
Exposure to European wines and winemaking has given Duane a broad perspective on techniques and wines styles. He was recently named one of Australia's newest Masters of Wine.