JANCIS REVIEWS 2015 SYRAH

World renowned, UK wine wrtier, Jancis Robinson, visited the Yarra Valley in Oct/Nov 2019.

She visited a number of wineries and tasted many more wines, to present this fabulous thought piece on the region for her website, jancisrobinson.com – All Change in the Yarra

Her notes and score of my two wines, the 2015 Syrah and 2016 Chardonnay were more than I could have imagined and for this I am very grateful.

Given the enormous range of wine Jancis reviews from every known region, and her academic approach to the world of wine, her words and thoughts about these two wines were a thrill to read.


2015 Bird On a Wire Syrah – 17/20

From a hand-picked vineyard that was a Yering Station vineyard. Sits on a hill off the tail end of the Dividing Range, an east-northeast slope.

Soil is high in iron, so it gets gravelly tannins. Dry and low cropping.

Very deep crimson. Never tasted anything so liquorice-like, right on the end like sucking a liquorice lace! Not just smelling like it. Long. Drink 2018 – 2023


2016 Bird On A Wire Chardonnay – 16.5/20

From Willowlake Vineyard, a 22-year-old vineyard in Gladysdale, Upper Yarra, set up for Hardys and Chandon sparkling wine.

A grower vineyard that smaller producers have access to. Very good spot for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. At 210 m (690 ft) above sea level, which attracts cool air from above.

Made by Caroline Mooney, who knew the fruit from working at Yering Station. A little bit of malolactic fermentation and 20% new oak.

Bright greenish gold. Light pineapple nose and really rich and broad.

Quite rich but good acidity. Definitely richer and fruitier than the Yarra Valley norm, and none the worse for it. Drink 2018 -2021