2019 Place Of Changing Winds Heathcote Syrah Second Bottling

95 POINTS

Jane Faulkner - Halliday's Wine Companion

The first incarnation (Colbinabbin Vineyard Syrah 2019) was released in 2021. This second bottling started out with 100% whole bunches in small fermenters, wild fermentation then aged in 1000L and 2000L Stockinger casks for 30 months. This has come together beautifully, revealing a more savoury outlook with a composed, medium-bodied structure. It’s peppery and spicy, with hints of bay leaves mingling with the red-fruit spectrum. Detailed, fine tannins are a feature and it finishes long and convincingly.

93 POINTS

Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

“A blend of Heathcote and Harcourt fruit, brought to life in mostly old oak and concrete for 16 months, then to stainless before bottling. It’s 70% whole bunch or so. While juicy and thick set it has a good deal of fruit, spice and herbal information, both perfume and palate does dark cherry, choc-mint, sage leaf, blood orange – with fine, firm, al dente tannin in the vein of nerello mascalese or similar. It’s a brooding and deep red, chewy and potent but with levity on its side. Charming in the moodier frame.” 93 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front

93 POINTS

Huon Hooke - The Real Review

“Good depth of red with a purple tint, and aromas of black berries, subtle herbs and spices, with a floral/violet note and a trace of iodine; the palate is full and rounded, with liberal drying tannins, the medicinal herbs chiming in again towards the finish and adding a cleansing note of bitterness. This should well reward a few years in the cellar.” 93 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review

93 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Harcourt and the Syrah No 2 wines are tasted side by side here today, and the context is incredibly useful in determining their similarities and differences. Firstly, these are both classy wines. Elegant, complex, spicy and seamlessly constructed, they are both a pleasure to drink. Structurally, and flavor wise, they are very different. Here, in the 2021 Syrah No 2, the tannins are far more grippy and pronounced. As a tannin lover, this is no problem for me. They are savory and lend weight and gravitas to the fruit. The fruit flavors that course across the tongue are darker, denser and less mineral than those in the Harcourt Syrah. This has notes of blood plum, cocoa, sweet tobacco, mulberry and blackberry. The aromas include a distinct sense of crunchy/crackling autumn leaves underfoot. This is an evocative wine—very smart. " 93 points, Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate

93 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Harcourt and the Syrah No 2 wines are tasted side by side here today, and the context is incredibly useful in determining their similarities and differences. Firstly, these are both classy wines. Elegant, complex, spicy and seamlessly constructed, they are both a pleasure to drink. Structurally, and flavor wise, they are very different. Here, in the 2021 Syrah No 2, the tannins are far more grippy and pronounced. As a tannin lover, this is no problem for me. They are savory and lend weight and gravitas to the fruit. The fruit flavors that course across the tongue are darker, denser and less mineral than those in the Harcourt Syrah. This has notes of blood plum, cocoa, sweet tobacco, mulberry and blackberry. The aromas include a distinct sense of crunchy/crackling autumn leaves underfoot. This is an evocative wine—very smart. " 93 points, Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate

Jancis Robinson MW

“Deep crimson. Definitely Syrah not Shiraz on the nose – fragrant and positively racy. Bitter redcurrant fruit on the palate and lots of character. Hint of treacle and then a bonedry finish. Even without decanting this wine was pretty charming and expressive. Not too intense but well balanced and already accessible.” 16.5 points, 16.5 points, jancisrobinson.com