Place of Changing Winds Harcourt Syrah 2021

Place of Changing Winds is a unique high-density vineyard situated on the southern foothills of Mount Macedon in central Victoria, Australia. Established in 2012 by wine buyer and importer Robert Walters, with the aim to create a small, high-density vineyard that could produce exceptional wines. The winery is named after its original name given by the Wurundjeri people, who called it Warekilla, or Place of Changing Winds, which still holds true today. This winery produces two sets of wines - Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their own vines, and Syrah, Marsanne from two grower vineyards, which showcase the distinct characteristics of each region. The Estate wines from Place of Changing Winds are exclusively from their property, which has an altitude of 500 meters above sea level. This cool site has good rain, cold nights and a wide diurnal range, which is surrounded by native plantings and thousands of hectares of forest. The vineyard is one of a kind, with a high density of almost 45,000 vines planted across 3.1 hectares, with densities ranging from 12,000 to 33,000 vines per hectare. Over the last decade, the winery has developed a meticulous viticulture system with no synthetic chemicals used, adapted specifically to their vineyard. The cellar is next to the vines, ensuring the fruit goes directly to the fermenters within minutes. The Estate Series wines reflect the winery's no-compromise approach and the uniqueness of their place. In addition to their Estate wines, Place of Changing Winds produces Syrah and Marsanne from two grower vineyards further north, located in the Heathcote region and Harcourt. The vineyards are managed organically, and the winery team is involved in all the viticultural decisions, including the picking dates. The goal is to craft wines of great finesse, perfume and drinkability that showcase the unique terroir of each place.

The Place of Changing Winds Harcourt Syrah 2021 is a rich, full-bodied red wine that exudes bold aromas of blackberry, black cherry and dark chocolate. On the palate, this wine is luscious with firm tannins and a deep, complex flavor profile that includes notes of black pepper, licorice and espresso. The oak aging brings out a subtle smokiness that adds depth and character to this already complex wine. The finish is long and smooth with a hint of spice that lingers on the tongue. The Place of Changing Winds Harcourt Syrah 2021 is a truly exceptional wine that will delight any wine lover with its balance of fruity sweetness and savory richness.

The reason the POCW folks went to this vineyard was for the syrah, this being the first of the releases solely from this site, from a singular year. Very floral in the perfume, violets and lavender, whiffs of eucalyptus and loads of raspberry, cherry and strawberry, in a fog of scent too. Lots of concentration to taste but with a glossy wash of acidity under the tart red cherry, game meat, dried herbs and white pepper characters. Beautiful flavours, fine, satiny tannins, great extension of flavour, a cool, minty finish. Spot on medium weight fragrant and spicy style. - Mike Bennie, The Wine Front, 94 Points

Deep red with a tinge of purple and a bouquet that is highly perfumed and emphasising floral/violet and fresh-herb aromas, brooding spices too, while the palate is very full bodied and concentrated, deep and firm, framed in robust tannins. A big strong wine with terrific structure for ageing, the plush fruit balanced perfectly by serious tannins. Impressive shiraz. - #1 2021 Shiraz from Victoria, Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 96 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Heathcote, Victoria
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.9%
Other - Organic