‘’Eden Valley syrah, *100% whole bunch, with a real sinewy, graphite-dredged, ferrous
edge to the aromatic profile. Fruit tones of dark cherry, plum and blackcurrants with
hints of sage, crushed ironstone and quartz, citrus blossom, amaro herbs, deep spice,
veal jus and earth. Textured and supple with a lovely kinetic mouthfeel, deep, pure dark
and black fruits, powdered granitic tannins and a complex, long draw on the finish. 94pts.’’
Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
“A short drive out of Eden Valley township towards Keyneton, midway up the hill at around 400m above sea
level, amidst ironstone rocks and granite monoliths of various sizes, lies this idyllic, east-facing block planted
in 1998 by Mick Hearnden (H). When tasting that fruit for the first time it was clear to me that I’m about to
get my hands on grapes that will perfectly complement the flavour profile of Ciccocioppo (C) grapes, which
have proven in year 2020 to be of great quality. They both share this rugged environment, a shallow loamy
soil that varies from gravely to rocky in parts, providing exciting mineral foundations on which aromatics,
flavour, and structure of the end wine is built upon.
Picked on 1st and 7th of April with 30% whole-bunch vinification. Out of curiosity and boldness, but mainly
because stalks were perfectly matured despite the cooler season. Rhone Valley inspiration you might wonder.
For sure, coupled with impromptu pragmatic decision, I must add. Due to extremely low quantity of grapes
(an unfortunate mis-happening beyond my control), this batch was only plunged twice a day during the entire
fermentation, while ‘H’ parcel received a couple of pump-overs at the peak of fermentation as well. Both
wines went to seasoned French oak barriques after pressing out and kept separate until blending, to be then
bottled in February 2024 under Amorim Xpür cork with minimal sulphur dioxide added. No fining, no
filtration. 1026 bottles produced, 12 magnums. 14.5% Alc.” Igor Kucic
