Product Description:
Produced in exceptionally small quantities, the Ravensworth Syrah 2023 is a focused, cool-climate expression of estate-grown Syrah from Murrumbateman in the Canberra District. This marks only the second occasion on which winemaker Bryan Martin has bottled a varietal Syrah from the Ravensworth estate vineyard. The wine is made from the ENTAV 470 Syrah clone, a French selection valued for its aromatic intensity and distinctive peppery character. Unlike Ravensworth’s established Shiraz Viognier, this cuvée contains no Viognier and was produced without whole bunches, allowing the character of the Syrah fruit to stand on its own. The grapes were destemmed and gently fermented as whole berries before undergoing an extended period of maceration on their skins. The wine was then pressed into a single new 500-litre Taransaud puncheon and matured for two years before bottling in May 2025. Only approximately 60 dozen bottles were produced, making it one of the rarest wines in the Ravensworth portfolio.

The cool and particularly wet 2023 growing season resulted in a medium-bodied Syrah shaped by freshness, perfume and savoury detail rather than excessive weight. Aromatically, the wine combines violet and lilac florals with red and black cherries, dark berries, white pepper and earthy spice. The palate is finely structured, with bright acidity carrying dark fruit, cured-meat nuances, herbs and mineral tones. Fine but persistent tannins provide definition, while restrained oak contributes subtle vanilla and woody spice without overwhelming the fruit. Although already expressive, its acidity, tannin structure and extended maturation indicate strong potential for further development in bottle. Ravensworth recommends cellaring the wine for ten years or longer, although its fragrance and measured structure make it approachable in its youth. It is particularly well suited to lamb seasoned with Middle Eastern spices, slow-cooked meats, duck, mushrooms and other savoury dishes.

Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Floral, peppery and expressive
Violet, lilac, rose, red and black cherry, dark berries, white pepper and subtle vanilla oak.

PALATE
– Medium-bodied and finely structured
Black cherry, mulberry, savoury herbs, cured meat, earthy spice and bright acidity supported by fine, persistent tannins.

FINISH
– Savoury and composed
Lingering dark fruit, pepper, woody spice, mineral nuances and firm, measured tannins.

Reviews & Accolades
““It has the wash and slosh of the season but there’s plenty of attractive, dark fruit, woody spice, sweet earth, truffle and peppery elements here. There’s dashes of mint and eucalyptus too, a touch of tomato leaf, wet herbs. It’s pleasing in its way, a shimmy of light tannins help things along. All up, of the season, a softness and ease of drinking.” — Mike Bennie, The Wine Front, 93 Points

Finer Details:
Maker – Ravensworth
Varietal – Syrah
Country – Australia
Region – Canberra
Appellation – Canberra District
Vintage – 2023
Tier – Estate
Size – 750ml
ABV – 13.5%
Certification – Organic