2022 Giant Steps Tarraford Syrah

97 POINTS

Philip Rich - Halliday Wine Companion

A single-block shiraz; 60% whole cluster co-fermented with 2% viognier and matured mainly in puncheons together with one large foudre. A medium, bright, crimson purple. The first Tarraford syrah since '18, this promptly won the Trophy for Best Syrah at last year's Yarra Valley Wine Show. Aromas of dark cherries, blueberries and graphite, with the viognier adding some exotic allspice and incense notes. Concentrated, tightly focused and beautifully balanced. Impressively long on the floral-infused finish. Super wine.

95 POINTS

Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front

Single vineyard Yarra Valley syrah from vines planted here in 1988. This is a pretty syrah. It’s floral and the fruit has a sweetness and while there are ample herb and spice notes around the edges – it does come across as syrah – the flowers-and-raspberries aspect is the main driver. Black cherry, smoky oak, peppercorn and perhaps a dab of graphite character are in the picture here. This wine won an award at the 2023 Yarra Valley Wine Show and it’s easy to see why; it’s pretty, it’s well powered, and it’s impeccable.

94 POINTS

James Suckling

Spice-driven aromas of wild blackberries, blood plums, citrus peel, white pepper and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with fine tannins and integrated acidity, giving notes of blueberries, river stones and cured meat with a floral edge. Co-fermented with 2% viognier, giving lift and perfume.

91 POINTS

Angus Hughson - Vinous

The enticing 2022 Syrah Tarraford Vineyard, from the lower Yarra, delivers a nice mix of sweet boysenberry and mulberry aromas, topped with layers of white pepper, fennel seed and licorice root. Ample flavor follows on the supple side, with al-dente tannins and a strong spicy undertow. Nicely weighted overall and with decent length, there is some sophistication here that will develop over the next five years.