The Lane Estate Adelaide Hills Syrah 2023

95 POINTS

Jeni Port - Winepilot

Is it splitting hairs when it comes to calling a wine Syrah or Shiraz? Sometimes winemakers are, sometimes they aren’t, but in the end it’s what is in the glass that counts. This Adelaide Hills Syrah is 13.5% ABV, spent 16 months in French oak, is medium bodied and speaks with a strong, herbal-edged voice which immediately would place it in many people’s idea of Syrah. So, there’s that.  It’s not loud, is slightly low-key in its approach, but it builds in the glass. An arresting herbal intrigue is a lovely part of the wine, all briar and sage, herbs and hints of pepper on the aroma amid a sea of blackberries, blueberries and lifted aromatic spice. As it builds in the glass, it warms to its Syrah task and the role of soft, toasty oak comes into play along with an earthiness, spice, red liquorice and ripe berries, all swept along on velvet tannins. Perked up by an acidity freshness, it finishes pretty fresh and alive for a three-year-old. That’s a good sign for future ageing.

93 POINTS

Ray Jordan - Winepilot

This is a medium-bodied and quite delightfully balanced Adelaide Hills Shiraz. The aromas provide a distinctive opening with a lifted perfume that clearly is the result of co-fermentation with Viognier, bringing that slightly apricot, orange-y notes into the mix. Palate shows excellent fruit intensity with a slightly peppery note, adding further complexity. Medium-bodied it might be, but there are stacks of palate intensity here.

90 POINTS

Jeni Port - Winepilot

A co-ferment with Viognier with the latter bringing its floral prettiness to the fore, especially on the bouquet. Floral aromas mingle easily with black cherries, plums, baking spices and herbs with smoked meats. To taste, the tone changes and there is a savoury influence of game and cured meats on the cards mingling ever so gently in the background bringing some added interest and depth to the black fruits and spice.  Medium bodied, firm in tannins, finishing fresh.