Byrne Farm Syrah 2022

Now labelled simply ‘Syrah,’ this Shiraz-Pinot Noir blend is Jeff Byrne’s homage to his Hunter Valley roots. The new release chimes in at 86% Shiraz and 14% Pinot Noir. The Shiraz is drawn from 22-year-old vines on a lower site in Orange (680 metres) and the Pinot Noir is from 23-year-old Springvale vines (as per Byrne’s 100% Pinot Noir). Both parcels are destemmed and cold soaked for four days. They are then fermented on skins for 10 days before being lightly pressed and sent to 500-litre barrels (10% new) where it rested for 10 months before blending. Byrne’s 2022 wines are impressive and right up there with his fine 2021s. In fact, Jeff likens the years to “two peas in a pod.” And while the wines are amongst the best value we offer, focusing solely on the price would be doing this wine a disservice. You can expect even more brightness, a touch more minerality and a smidge more crunch this year. Grab a wide glass and enjoy with all things duck or anything off the barbecue.