Iggy

The second edition of the original Springton 2020, which impressed many both near and far. This block also constituted 33% of the 2021 H&C Syrah, serving as a whole-bunch fraction of that year’s blend.

Some of you might already know that the property was established by the late Giovanni ‘John’ Ciccocioppo in the early 2000s. It was a privilege to be the first person he sold his fruit to, and I was very grateful. May the good man rest in peace.

Situated at 400 metres above sea level, this vineyard rests on a shallow loamy soil interspersed with red clay and scattered quartz and ironstone rocks-an ideal terroir for cultivating distinctive Eden Valley Syrah.

Yields in Eden Valley are consistently low, often less than half of those in the lower-lying Barossa Valley. The 2022 was no exception, despite favourable growing conditions throughout the season. Small bunches and berries are characteristic of this vineyard year after year, contributing to the wine’s natural concentration and freshness, a result of the vineyard’s elevation.

Technicalities

Hand-picked on April 10th — a beautiful autumn day — with the help of our dear friends. The fully destemmed grapes underwent a brief cold soak before the onset of native yeast fermentation. As with almost all our red batches, this one experienced only punch-downs during the 14-day maceration, maintaining temperatures below 26°C to preserve the delicate, region-specific aromatics. After pressing, the young wine was transferred to two seasoned French oak hogsheads (300-litre barrels), where it rested on fine lees for 30 months. Only small amounts of sulphur dioxide were occasionally added during this period. Following racking from the barrels, the wine spent a few weeks in stainless steel tank before bottling.

Tasting notes

A deep purple hue introduces this Eden Valley Syrah, revealing the region's signature aromatic complexity. The nose offers an alluring bouquet of violets, dark cherries, licorice, and raw cacao, transitioning into savory nuances of dried sage, mint, and crushed rocks. On the palate, the wine is poised and graceful, enveloped in a mineral-rich framework that accentuates its lush character. Full-bodied yet elegant, it showcases remarkable fruit purity and structural precision. A subtle gamey undertone adds depth, evoking a style reminiscent of Cornas Syrah.