Place of Changing Winds Syrah No.2 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 Syrah No.2 2021 is a superbly crafted wine that showcases the best of both Heathcote and Harcourt fruit. This wine has a deep, rich color that is a harbinger of the complex flavors that unfold on the palate. The aromas are a combination of ripe black fruit, traces of violet and a hint of spice. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied with Nebbiolo-like tannins that give the wine structure and a long finish. The flavors are multi-layered and include notes of dark cherry, blackberry, black pepper and hints of chocolate and espresso. The wood aging brings out a light smokiness and vanilla notes that add depth and complexity to the wine. The winery's aim when crafting the Syrah was to make it a wine that could be enjoyed early on, without breaking the bank. However, due to the exceptional quality of the grapes from the 2021 harvest, the resulting wine boasts a powerful and complex flavour profile with firm tannins and the potential to age beautifully. To ensure that the fruit was showcased to its fullest, they used approximately 60% whole bunches during fermentation and then aged the wine for 16 months in both neutral Stockinger casks and concrete before allowing it to rest in tanks for another six months prior to bottling in February. It is highly recommended to decant this wine in order to fully experience its rich and complex flavors. With a harmonious balance of oak and fruit.

A blend of Heathcote and Harcourt fruit, brought to life in mostly old oak and concrete for 16 months, then to stainless before bottling. It’s 70% whole bunch or so. While juicy and thick set it has a good deal of fruit, spice and herbal information, both perfume and palate does dark cherry, choc-mint, sage leaf, blood orange – with fine, firm, al dente tannin in the vein of nerello mascalese or similar. It’s a brooding and deep red, chewy and potent but with levity on its side. Charming in the moodier frame. - Mike Bennie, The Wine Front, 93 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Heathcote, Victoria
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
Other - Organic