Singlefile Syrah 2010 (Mt Barker, WA)
$37, Screwcap, 13.6%
Source: Sample
www.singlefilewines.com

The Singlefile wines continue to improve each vintage, particularly since Larry Cherubino has come on board as a consultant.

This Syrah is sourced from the Eulup vineyard, with the usage of ‘Syrah’ a nod to the fact that this is a spicier, more mid-weight number compared to the Frankland River ‘Shiraz’. Practical nomenclature or a source of customer confusion? I like the accuracy of the sentiment, but can understand that it might also befuddle anyone who’s not across the Syrah/Shiraz divide. Thoughts?

Black pepper over dark plum fruit – eucalypt meets spice and cloves over richer fruit. Underneath its surprisingly ripe and full, minty and roasted all at once, perhaps suggesting uneven fruit ripeness yet not detracting from the whole package. Indeed the tannins are firm, the flavours are long and the end effect is of a spicy, tasty WA Shiraz. Liked it. 17.5/20 91/100.