BLANK CANVAS ELEMENT VINEYARD GIMBLETT GRAVELS SYRAH 2020

Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"The 2020 Element Vineyard Syrah is a portrait of fragrance and texture, showing the Gimblett Gravels’ rare combination of density and freshness. A high proportion of whole bunch and signature co-fermentation with Grüner Veltliner lifts the bouquet into beguiling floral and spice notes – violet, star anise and smoked black pepper – woven with black plum, lifted currant and briny black olive notes. On the palate it is compact and finely textured with bright acidity and attractive cocoa-powder tannins. Gentle oak and lees ageing adds richness and length without obscuring the site’s clarity. Perfumed with layered complexity now, it also promises rewarding development in bottle where it will reveal Syrah’s evocative tertiary nuances.

Hand‐picked on 2 April 2020, the fruit was carefully transported to the winery with our aim of capturing the perfume, texture and signature power of the Gimblett Gravels. Roughly 60% of the fruit was retained as whole bunches and a co‐ferment with a small amount of Grüner Veltliner skins introduced a white pepper thread that complements the black pepper of cool-climate Syrah. Hand‐plunged once natural fermentation commenced, the wine was drained and pressed to French oak barriques (35% new). It went through natural malolactic conversion and matured on lees for 15 months. After combining the barrels and allowing the wine to gently settle, it was racked and carefully bottled without filtration in August."

Rated Outstanding & 96/100 Cameron Douglas MS, July 2025 (2020 Vintage)
"Fantastic bouquet with the signature of soil and place showing first with aromas of stone and dry clay then a fine savoury dried herb voice. Next the fruit impacts of spiced plum skin and dark cherry skin then black currant berry and leaf. A dry wine on the palate, taut and with a firm squeeze of tannins and acidity then fruit – this wine will age for certain, there’s tension and texture from the tannins and acidity and gentle warmth from the abv. Finally, the core of fruit adds a plush mid-palate weight to round out the frame and finish. Best drinking from 2028/29 through 2036+."

95/100 Shanteh Wale, James Halliday's Wine Companion (2020 Vintage)
"Fruit is sourced from the ancient riverbed soils of the Gimblett Gravels and pressed to French oak barrels, 35% new. A heady mix of mulberry, blackcurrant and plum forms the core, layered with notes of terracotta, baked clay and cinnamon quill. The palate moves with a slinky assurance, its fine tannins supporting and framing the potent fruit. Red persimmon and Assam tea emerge through the finish, carried by a chalky, mineral edge. A wine of grit and structure, built with the substance and balance to reward long-term cellaring."

94/100 Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review (2020 Vintage)
"An arresting nose of sandalwood, cedar and patchouli. The palate is sophisticated and refreshing, with cool-climate restraint clearly delineating the crunchy currant and licorice flavours. Lively floral notes sit like perfume above the bony tannins as everything tapers down to the chalky finish. Very nicely balanced, lighter-bodied syrah. Crunchy and fresh despite its age, this will remain elegant throughout its development."