2024 Vanguardist Oeno Syrah

The first release of the Oeno Syrah is another impressive addition to Michael Corbett’s growing line-up - a wine that mainlines the essence of Blewitt Springs through a modern, finely tuned lens.

Sourced entirely from Michael's beautiful Rende Vineyard, where old vines dig deep into the region’s sandy soils, this Syrah was fermented with 40% whole bunches before spending 14 months in one and two-year-old thick-stave puncheons. The approach keeps everything fresh and detailed, making a Shiraz in a more approachable mode.

It’s bright and perfumed: all blue and red fruits, cracked pepper, herbs and spice with a savoury, earthy edge that pulls everything together. The palate is finely structured, with a mineral thread running through it and tannins that shape rather than dominate.

For a debut release, this is a remarkably complete Syrah: pure, composed and full of energy. A wine that proves once again why Corbett’s touch with southern Australian reds is among the best in the country.

95 points
"Syrah by name, Syrah by nature. There’s a cool character here, even though the wine is nicely ripe, a hazelnut feel to tannin, with a nutty and fresh finish of excellent length, closing with some orange peel and juicy acidity. Bang on."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)