2020 Mchenry Hohnen Syrah

Complex and highly fragrant, with lifted notes of dark cherry, black pepper, and cinnamon, layered with savoury elements of smoked meats and liquorice.

Full-bodied and intense, the palate shows inky blackberry fruit and a velvety mocha note, followed by roasted spice and a frame of firm yet supple tannins. A Syrah that stands apart—refined, expressive, and true to its name.

Vineyard: Hazel’s Vineyard is McHenry Hohnen’s southernmost site, located near Witchcliffe in the headwaters of Chapman Brook. With ironstone gravel loam soils over a clay base, the vineyard offers excellent drainage and natural low vigour. A northerly aspect and strong Southern Ocean influence create ideal conditions for growing a wide range of varieties with structure, perfume, and site clarity. Hazel’s has always been farmed with a deep respect for the land and a focus on soil health and sustainability.

The 2020 vintage in Margaret River was marked by near-perfect growing conditions. A warmer-than-usual spring was followed by a dry, sunny summer with cool nights and significant diurnal temperature variation—ideal conditions for even, balanced ripening across all of our dry-grown vineyards.

With no disease pressure and minimal bird interference (particularly early in harvest), we were able to pick beautifully clean fruit at optimal ripeness and flavour—an absolute gift for the winemaking team. The only drawback was exceptionally low yields. In response to the dry conditions, our dry-farmed vines produced tiny, light bunches with small berries. As a result, the fruit showed remarkable concentration while retaining natural acidity—hallmarks of a truly exceptional vintage.

Sourced from a single block of Syrah at Hazel’s Vineyard. A portion of the fruit was hand-harvested and placed into a wooden fermenter, with 15% whole clusters included. The fermenter was sealed for several days to allow for carbonic maceration within the berries. A small amount of Roussanne was co-fermented to enhance aromatic lift. Gentle extraction followed over the next 10 days. After pressing, the wine was aged in a single 2,700L French oak cask for 10 months, then racked and bottled in the summer of 2021.