Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah 2023

Stephen Wong MW writes "Layered aromas with a dimensions of flint smoke, dusty blueberry, sweet mint, violets and hints of creamy milk chocolate. There is an unbounded, perfumed lift and precociousness which plays off the more floral/herbal aspects of the wine, driven by surging acidity and very fine, almost silky tannins. The fruit is crunchy, pretty and sweet-tasting, no more than mid-weight but elegant and flowing. The measured red fruit profile persists to the back-palate where a hint of bittersweet cocoa and cherry pip kicks in to balance out its soft expression. With time and attention, shy notes of savoury and spice emerge before hiding again. A contemplative wine with layers and more to come but not a powerhouse; this is accessible now with mid-term cellaring potential."

Cameron Douglas MS writes "Deep purple with a ruby rim leads to a bouquet of understated power and finesse, aromas of pure red berry fruits, black currant and raspberry, there’s layers of spice and toasty wood, earth and violets, then a youthful synergy. Taut and very new still with a mouthfeel of tension and poise, red berry flavours and layers of spice. Tannins have polish and grit while acidity pulls all the textures and flavours together. Well made with best drinking from 2027 through 2035."

The winery writes "Le Sol, meaning “the soil”, is crafted from Syrah grown in the stoniest parcels of our Gimblett Gravels estate. Intensively hand-managed, it is always aromatically pure, with a luscious yet elegant mid-palate and a distinctive fine-tannin finish. Since its first release, Le Sol has evolved to achieve a perfect balance between intensity and floral finesse, expressing Syrah in its purest form. While its longevity is unquestionable, an increasing approachability upon release allows its beauty to be enjoyed now, with the promise of even greater reward in years to come."