X by Xabregas Figtree Syrah 2010

X by Xabregas Figtree Syrah 2010 (Mt Barker, Great Southern, WA)
13.8%, Screwcap, $50
Source: Sample
www.xabregas.com.au

There is a lovely gamey, winey-ness to these Xabregas Syrahs. A wildness that suggests winemaking without a religious adherence to a traditionally Australian, by-the-numbers, ‘technical’ winemaking approach, and more to winemaking by taste. Good to see.

Fittingly, this is an earthen, sausages-and-grilled-mushrooms-with-a-side-salad-of-blueberry nose that just says ‘pass the roast pigeon’. A little obvious oak in there, and a glossier wine than the Spencer, yet still has a great mix of purple fruit, meaty edges and dry, serious tannins.

This is yet another attractive 2010 Mt Barker red, proudly from the meatier side of the fence and carrying a real depth to it. I love the ‘real wine’ sensibilities and mid-weight style, plus the structure is lovely. Oak a bit too dominant perhaps, but still, this is tasty.

Drink: 2014-2020+
Score: 18/20, 93/10
Would I buy it? A 2-3 glass proposition, though I’d prefer the Spencer.