Byrne Farm Shiraz Pinot Noir 2021

Certified organic. Jeff Byrne made just one wine in the difficult 2020 season, a Pinot Noir Shiraz blend. This year sees the blend going back to what Jeff tells us should be the norm going forward, a more classic homage to his Hunter roots. The 2021 release is 90% Shiraz and 10% Pinot Noir, with fruit sourced from two sites. The Shiraz is from 22-year-old vines on a lower site in Orange (680 metres) and the Pinot Noir is from Springvale (as per Byrne’s 100% Pinot Noir).

Both parcels were destemmed and cold soaked for four days before being fermented on skins for 10 days. The wine was then lightly pressed and sent to 500-litre barrels (10% new) where it rested for 10 months before blending.

Full of verve, it is bright and vibrant, jam-packed with flavours of summer berries and baking spices, with a savoury, mineral edge. Pristine acidity, a slippery, mouthcoating mid-palate and perfumed length complete the pretty picture. So much to enjoy here.