Heathcote Syrah
Alain Graillot
2012
Heathcote
Australia
Graillot produces two wines and the No. 2 Syrah is a plusher more approachable drink now style. Syrah No 2 uses fruit from the bottom of the rocky slope which yields a wine with more flesh and overt ripeness. The wine sees up to 40% whole bunches and is fermented in open-top fermenters with a spontaneous ferment at warm temperatures. It is pressed to older wood and is left on lees to preserve both perfume and flavours. Graillot Syrah 2 is bottled without fining, filtration or sulphur additions.
PRESS AND REVIEWS
Full, clear and bright colour, shone in the blind tasting, validating its early drinking mode but not denying its future. Made in the same fashion, except 40% whole bunches. Black fruits, cherries to the fore, spice and black pepper crouched in a silky web of ultra-fine grained tannins, the palate long, immaculately balanced. 95 points, Wine Companion.