This wine, a Piebald, meaning black and white, is a co-fermentation of the blackest Syrah grapes, with a hatful of the purest white Viognier. Deep in colour, the wine is almost black, yet is also vibrant and bright. The nose is perfumed with apricots, spice and liquorice; a pretty, fragrant wine with a sweet juice and velvety palate. The finish is elegant with savoury spice and a fine tannin length and persistence.

Levantine Hill Estate Syrah 2013 has bright crimson colour. Brooding, lifted complex aromas of red berry compote, musk, cardamom and white pepper compliment the underlying nutmeg and vanillin bouquet. The elegant medium-bodied palate abounds with spice and earthy nuances in a concentration of savouriness. The silky ripe tannins have been deftly integrated with the underlying oak providing carriage for the fruit weight and lingering flavours to a pronounced and persistent finish.

This single vineyard, award-winning Levantine Hill Melissas Paddock Syrah, has its own inimitable characteristics of the unique site and inherent signature expression. It features a complex nose, featuring blackberry, liquorice, tar, spice and cherry oak. The resounding sophisticated palate features fine tannins leading to a long finish. There is a delicate nervy balance between savouriness and sweet fruit with an emphasis on balance and length for a resounding echo of flavour.

Bright red with a purple hue, a glass of Estate Vineyards Syrah is like opening a spice box. It overflows with cherry, blackberry, boysenberry, thyme, pepper and the irresistible scents of Black Doris plum and vanilla. There are floral lift and charm here, but also a supple palate with luxurious savoury fruit and enticing notes of red and black liquorice. The perfume and depth of this syrah are matched by its fine, textural expression, balance and soft, even tannins. Food match with a wonderful accompaniment to all red meats, savoury and lightly spiced dishes of Mediterranean cuisine, as well as soft cheeses.

"Replacing the Petit Chapelle cuvee and first made in 2015, the 2016 Hermitage La Maison Bleue is smoking good. Black fruits, charcoal, powdered rock, currants and chocolate notes all give way to a big, concentrated, impressively structures barrel sample that has tons of potential. I expect the tannin will have integrated by the time this is released, but a few years of bottle age still recommended." - Jeb Dunnuck