2012 De Trafford - Shiraz 393
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Tasting notes
(15% alcohol): Bright medium ruby. A meaty whiff to the aromas of dark berries and licorice. Rich, slightly sweet wine; distinctly chunkier and warmer than the 2013, with powerful chewy components that have not yet come together. Conveys a chocolatey impression of richness and shows its alcohol more. This rather tannic Syrah is undeniably powerful but is unlikely ever to show the balance, fine-grained texture or perfume of the 2013.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Syrah 393 is de-stemmed and crushed gently, undergoing malolactic fermentation in the barrel. It has a tightly wound, mint-fresh, more floral bouquet compared directly to the 2012 Blueprint Syrah. The palate is well balanced with slightly lighter and more tensile tannin structure, brisk and lively with moderate depth. It offers vibrant black fruit towards the finish and a lingering balsam aftertaste, completing a well-crafted Syrah that should give 8-10 years of pleasure.
Their own vineyard, started in 1998. Effectively a single-vineyard wine. 4% new barrels but very light. Bigger (for keeping) than the Blueprint. On De Trafford farm, 393 being the elevation in metres. Rich and dense. Lots of dryness on the finish. Long-term stuff. Very ripe and muscular. Very youthful. (JR)