2008 strikes again: Cornelius Syrah 2008

Cornelius Syrah 2008
So close yet so far...

Cornelius Syrah 2008 (Bellarine Peninsula, Vic)
15%, Screwcap, $65
Source: Sample
www.scotchmanshill.com.au

Cornelius is the top label for Bellarine Peninsula producer Scotchmans Hill, a range of wines typically showing plenty of style and swagger with these wines too, plus some of the most detailed, excellent back labels in the industry.

In fact, the only thing working against this wine in particular is the vintage, with the 2008 heatwave stamping it's mark all over it (as witnessed by that 15% alcohol reading too). Shame really as there is unquestionably some style here. I'll look forward to the followup vintages...

It kicks off with some mighty sexy smelling vanilla cream oak, the sort of oak that you would want for your own wine (if you like that sort of thing). Besides the oak it's all super ripe caramelised fig, rum and raisin chocolate and liberal dose of tar. That oak sweetness offsets the volatiles of the nose but no mistaking the cooked edge of the fruit. Palate too is hard, warm and spiky, finishing short and looking very much the overripe wine. Shame. Nice sweet oak can't give this the freshness it needs... 14.8/84