Iggy

In the eventful year of 2020, I undertook the restoration of a vineyard just outside Springton in Eden Valley — a block that had been neglected for seven years. Uniquely close-planted, this vineyard lies directly across the road from the source of our well-received 2020 Eden Valley Springton Syrah.

The site features shallow, grey loamy sand over predominantly limestone bedrock, situated on a gentle northwest-facing slope. It was evident that the vineyard had seen better days. That spring, I discovered that a prominent local winemaker had previously sourced fruit from this block until its decline. This revelation served as both encouragement and affirmation that this could indeed be an unpolished, forgotten gem.

After some rigorous chain sawing, replacing trellis wires, and dedicating a year solely to “growing wood” by training young, promising shoots, I also undertook the manual removal of the notorious weed known as Caltrop and protected the crop from birds with netting.

By the end of the second growing season, I was rewarded with a modest yield — just two barriques of wine. While this may seem small by conventional standards, it was monumental for me: my very first harvest cultivated through organic practices. Any grower can likely relate to the profound satisfaction and pride that comes with harvesting one's own crop for the first time.

The 2022 season marked the second consecutive year of mild weather in the Barossa, characterized by the absence of heatwaves or temperature spikes. Despite some challenges, such as spring frost and a severe hailstorm in October that affected parts of the region, many vineyards, including mine, experienced favourable conditions that led to elegant and structured wines with depth and length of flavour. Given these conditions, I would argue that the 2022 vintage might surpass the so-called "textbook" vintage of 2021.

Technicalities

Hand-picked on a misty April 18th — a Fruit Day in the biodynamic calendar — with the invaluable assistance of dear friends. The grapes were fully destemmed and underwent spontaneous fermentation, with gentle punch-downs conducted twice daily. After 12 days on skins the batch was pressed off into a tank and the following day transferred to French oak barriques (with 4% new oak in the form of a refitted head). The wine matured in these barrels for 30 months without any racking. Subsequently, it spent a few additional weeks in tank before bottling in February 2025.

Tasting notes

This Syrah presents a deep purple hue, indicative of its concentration. The nose is intensely aromatic, showcasing blackcurrant and Morello sour cherries, intertwined with Eden Valley's signature floral notes of rose petal, complemented by nuances of black olive tapenade, graphite, and lavender. Despite its "rising from the ashes" pedigree, there are no smoky or ashy characteristics. Instead, the palate offers a smooth, velvety texture. While dense and rich, the wine maintains remarkable vibrancy and allure. The acidity is well-balanced, and true to the Iggy style, there's a generous yet well-integrated tannin structure. Extended skin contact has contributed to this harmonious profile. From the first sip, the wine exhibits an undeniable “X-factor”. It ticks numerous boxes: juiciness, a broad mouthfeel, and a lingering savory, umami-like finish. Perhaps one for the ages.