Innocent Bystander
Innocent Bystander Syrah 2023 | Yarra Valley
Innocent Bystander Syrah 2023 | Yarra Valley
Dozen Price: $239.88
RRP: $22.99
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Innocent Bystander Syrah 2023 is a smooth, sophisticated expression of Shiraz from the cool hillsides of the Yarra Valley — generous in fruit but restrained in oak, subtly perfumed and tantalisingly spicy, and made to be savoured. Deep crimson in colour, with white pepper, red currant, and raspberry on the nose, and cherry compote, loganberry, spice, and soft tannins on the palate. Cellar up to five years after vintage.
Appearance
Deep crimson — the rich, inviting colour of a cool climate Yarra Valley Syrah of genuine concentration and the restrained, elegant character that the cool hillsides of the Yarra deliver.
Aroma
White pepper, red currant, and raspberry — subtly perfumed and tantalisingly spicy, with the cool climate Syrah aromatic profile that makes the Yarra Valley one of Australia’s most compelling regions for this intriguing style.
Palate
Cherry compote, loganberry, spice, and soft tannins — generous in fruit, restrained in oak, and made to be savoured. A smooth, sophisticated Yarra Valley Syrah of genuine elegance and the cool climate finesse that sets this style apart.
Pairs With
Braised beef cheek, spicy pork pizza, hard cheeses, dark chocolate, dark rooms, and dangerous ideas.
✓ Vegan
Wine Specifications
Wine Specifications
Variety: Shiraz
Size: 750mL
Region: Yarra Valley
ABV: 13.5%
Vintage: 2023

Winery & Vintage Info
Winemaking Notes
Crafted from predominantly hand-picked fruit from both Upper and Lower Yarra Valley vineyards, showcasing the diversity and complexity that the combination of cool mountainside vineyards and warmer valley floor sites provides. Cold soak for three days followed by seven days on skins, with 10% whole bunches used to bring the perfume that defines this subtly perfumed and tantalisingly spicy wine. Matured for 10 months in French oak, 10% of which was new, with natural malolactic fermentation occurring. The winemaking philosophy at Innocent Bystander is to not overwork their wines — treating them gently to ensure bright fruit characters shine through on a long, smooth palate. Generous fruit, restrained oak, and a long, satisfying finish.
Vintage Conditions
The 2023 vintage in the Yarra Valley provided excellent conditions for Syrah production — a warm bud burst instigating great canopies and fruit set, with January very wet leading into a dry February and March, providing great colour and balance. The combination of warm bud burst and wet January followed by dry finish to summer created ideal conditions for the fruit from both Upper and Lower Yarra Valley vineyards to develop the generous fruit character and tantalising spice that define this wine. Cellar up to five years after vintage.
Producer History
Innocent Bystander is born from an audacious spirit — the love child of a brewer-turned-winemaker with a natural curiosity and disregard for convention. Nestled in the Yarra Valley, the mantra is simple: make wines we love to drink and share, without the fuss and pretence. Two winemakers show the duality of Innocent Bystander — one alchemist and one tinkering craftsman, each guilty in the crime of passion. Passion for creating bright, young, approachable wines that are best paired with people — from their flagship Pinot Noir to lip-smacking Moscato, and the cool-climate Syrah that the Yarra Valley was made for.
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