Wine Front Wine Review – Syrahmi ‘Dreams’ Shiraz 2012

The wine is named for the Radiohead song, ‘Nice Dream’, as, ‘off the back of 2011 everything in 2012 just worked; also, it was always a dream of mine to release a wine with three years of age, which I couldn’t do before’, says winemaker Adam Foster. Winemaking is about 35% whole bunch, free run is run off to a used foudre, sees no racking, gets a hit of sulphur (low) early, and then bottled after 18 months or so. More time in fermenter, more time in large oak, more time in bottle before release, ‘that’s my secret for working with whole bunch ferment’, offers Foster. It’s shiraz here and from Greenstone Vineyard.

In the immortal words of Gabrielle,

‘Dreams can come true
Look at me babe I’m with you
You know you gotta have hope
You know you gotta be strong’

There’s a touch of the Mardi Gras to Foster so he’ll probably like this tune.

Red and blue fruits, briar, dusting of white pepper, some white chocolate and a belt of clove. Fine web of tannins is distinct in the wine. Big spread of flavour, savoury, sinewy, finishes in a pinch with some length. Feels serious, reserved, yet has a bounce and glide in the palate. Structure and seriousness to the fore, but fit to a medium weight chassis. Sleek, good, great. Impressive wine and great drinking.

95 Points
Mike Bennie, Wine Front