The Story ‘Super G’ Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre 2023

Super G is our rhoney nod to super tuscans, playing with varieties generally not seen in a region dominated by one variety. The Grampians is planted to over 80% Shiraz/Syrah, and we have access to some of the only Grenache and Mourvedre vineyards in the region. Grenache from Arrawatta Vineyard at low elevation just south of Great Western, a little more Grenache from our own Moyston Hills in the south (about half a tonne…) and Mourvedre from Moyston Hills as well. The Syrah component is from both the 1969 vines at Westgate Vineyard, and a little from Moyston Hills. Grenache and Mourvedre are destemmed and Syrah is fermented with some whole bunches, so that the final cuvee is around 10% whole bunches. Natural ferments and around 3 weeks on skins with pump overs every other day. We generally use an ‘infusion’ style, restricting manual manipulation of the cap to the bare minimum. From there the wine spends 9 months only in a combination of old puncheons, a portion of 3000lt French foudre, 1000lt French foudre and a couple of older french hogsheads. A very cool vintage where Grenache snuck across the line, but Syrah thrived. Savoury, pepper laced, refreshing, and with a fine, firm, ‘stony’ character.