2024 Vanguardist BV Syrah

The Vanguardist range represents the epitome of what we are about. Pushing the realms of standard winemaking to deliver intrigue, excitement and full recognition of this special and distinct terroir. Ultimate dedication to the craft of viticulture and winemaking, encapsulated in a bottle – through our lens.

SINGLE SITE: MCKENZIE VINEYARD, BAROSSA VALLEY

Syrah is the Barossa’s defining variety, and after more than seven years of our winery being based in the region, this wine represents a natural evolution of our relationship with place. We have spent time getting to know the land and growers, so this wine is our own Vanguardist response: a Barossa Shiraz interpreted through our signature Syrah lens. While unmistakably regional in terrior, it is made with Michael’s delicate precision and restraint, offering a contemporary expression that both respects tradition and challenges expectation.

VINEYARD:
The McKenzie family has been involved in agriculture for nine generations. Located in Ebenezer, at the northernmost reaches of the Barossa Valley.

The soil profile consists primarily of well-drained sandy clay loam over a solid limestone or calcrete pan, with a defining presence of ironstone fragments and red-brown earth. These highly aerobic soils offer excellent mineral-holding capacity, contributing to depth, structure, and longevity in the resulting wines.

VINTAGE:
2024 vintage in the Barossa is characterized by exceptional quality, intense color, and rich tannins, despite low yields caused by windy conditions during flowering.

HARVEST:
Hand harvested on the 13th February 2024.

VINIFICATION:
Approximately one-third of the fruit was retained as whole bunches and was fermented gently for one month before drain and press. The wine was then matured for 15 months in two puncheons, one new and the other two years old, before being racked in early spring in preparation for bottling in December.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Closure: DIAM Origine 10
FS02: at bottling 23ppm
TSO2: 42ppm
pH: 3.65
TA: 5.9g/L
Alcohol: 13.1%
Bottle when empty: 450g

__________________________________________________________________________________________

THE WINE FRONT

Ebenezer. One third whole bunch. Raised in two puncheons, one new and one two years old.

Blackberry, raspberry, lots of dusty spices, terracotta, orange peel, a coffee ground earthiness, violet. It’s medium-bodied, quite firm, a juiciness and freshness to acidity, a firm grain to tannin, cherry with an earthy character, some orange peel and floral mouth-perfume, finish has a boysenberry crispness, sappiness and excellent length. Engaging wine. Different. There’s so many layers to it. Give it some time, I’d say, though there’s no shortage of interest now.

95+ POINTS
GARY WALSH

________________________________________________________________________________________________

HALLIDAY
From Ebenezer, planted to sandy clay loam with fragmented ironstone over limestone. This sits no more than medium in weight, sketched in charcoal and pencil rather than splashed with colour. There’s fruit intensity, concentration, but like other wines of the stable, spice and savouriness and structure are the guiding principles. Blackberry, dried olive, a mulberry tang to the palate, with a sultry detailing of dry spices, clove, allspice, whole pepper and the like. Faded violet, blood and rust, cured meat, dried blood orange. Layered and complex, a saline, Dutch-licorice edge to the palate. Tannins, as always, are detailed, carefully extracted, compellingly instructive, leading to the table.

96 POINTS
MARCUS ELLIS