Syrahmi Mourvèdre 2021 Heathcote

Winemaking Notes
The Syrahmi Mourvèdre 2021 is crafted using Adam Foster's philosophy of minimal human intervention in the winemaking process, putting trust in Mother Nature to express the true terroir of the vineyard and vintage by selecting the finest quality fruit from the region and doing as little as possible to it. The wine defies the typical boldness of Mourvèdre by employing gentle winemaking techniques without pumping or plunging to avoid over-extraction, a reflection of Foster's understanding that great success can be achieved through minimal intervention. Whole-bunch fermentation is employed to soften the tannins, creating a more savoury and delicate style that showcases complex aromas of clove oil, gentian violet, and balsamic herbs, hinting at the careful handling of the fruit throughout the winemaking process. Each component is handled individually right up until the final selection process, with Foster's highly trained palate—developed through years of chef's apprenticeship and working in some of Victoria and London's best kitchens—guiding the blending decisions to create a wine that delivers intense flavours balanced by sinuous tannins and a refreshing acidity on the finish. The resulting medium-full bodied wine offers an intriguing tasting experience for those seeking novel and sophisticated expressions in Mourvèdre, showcasing Foster's natural instinct for flavours and combinations developed through his "in the trenches" training with the best.

Vintage Conditions
The 2021 vintage in Heathcote provided excellent conditions for Mourvèdre production, with the region's ancient Cambrian-age soils—the oldest in Victoria—contributing to the wine's deep colour and complex character. The soils, lying over basalt bedrock in northern Heathcote, create the perfect landscape for growing Rhône varietals, with Foster's extensive experience working with outstanding wineries in Australia and France such as Torbreck, Chapoutier, Mitchelton, Heathcote Winery, Domaine Ogier, and Jasper Hill informing his approach to the vintage. The 2021 growing season allowed the Mourvèdre grapes to develop the intense flavours and sophisticated aromatics that define this wine, with the gentle winemaking techniques ensuring that the fruit's natural characteristics were preserved throughout the process. Foster's travels throughout Europe, learning and discovering some of the most outstanding regions and labels firsthand, combined with guidance from mentors such as Ron Laughton, Don Lewis, Stéphane Ogier, Jono Mepham, and Pierre Gaillard, have shaped his understanding of how to handle Mourvèdre to create a wine that is both powerful and elegant. The 2021 vintage showcases Foster's ability to apply the know-how learned from his French experiences—where he was nicknamed L'Imposter—to his Australian winemaking projects, resulting in a wine that pairs exceptionally well with cured meats, pâtés, terrines, and slow-cooked dishes like veal ragu infused with rosemary and thyme, making it a versatile choice for refined food pairings.