Enate Syrah-Shiraz 2022

Enate Syrah-Shiraz is a single-varietal Syrah from D.O. Somontano in north-east Spain, where the grape has settled among the valleys of Cregenzán and Alcanetos. Syrah began in the northern Rhône, travelled to Australia and has found a warm home here, and the source of its character is plain in the vineyard: sun, wind and limestone soils. The hot, dry growing season ripens the Syrah fully to 15 percent alcohol and concentrates its dark fruit and peppery spice, while the limestone keeps the wine fresh and lifted. The wine ages 15 months in French and American oak barrels, the French wood adding fine-grained tannin and savoury spice and the American adding vanilla and sweetness, while the time in barrel softens the tannins and folds in smoky, toasty notes. It is deep cherry red with a dense core. The nose shows ripe plum, black cherry, cracked black pepper and liquorice over smoke and vanilla. The palate is full bodied and intense, with ripe fruit, warming alcohol, firm rounded tannins and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted, with grilled or roast meat.