The 2022 Swinney Farvie Syrah is one of the greatest modern Australian Syrahs — a flagship wine that has firmly established Frankland River among the world’s elite Syrah regions. Sourced from the most ironstone-rich and mineral sections of the Wilson’s Pool and Powderbark vineyards in Western Australia, the wine is crafted by Rob Mann with extraordinary attention to detail. The 2022 vintage saw around 65% whole-bunch fermentation and maturation entirely in seasoned French oak, allowing the vineyard’s ferrous, savoury and floral character to take centre stage without the influence of new oak. The nose is intensely aromatic and hauntingly complex, revealing blackberry, dark cherry and satsuma plum layered with cracked black pepper, licorice and exotic spice. There are deep savoury notes of smoked meats, iodine, ironstone, graphite and peaty earth, alongside lifted florals and a distinctive ferrous “blood and iron” minerality that has become the signature of Farvie Syrah. The aromatic profile is simultaneously brooding and ethereal, sitting stylistically far closer to great Northern Rhône Syrah than traditional rich Australian Shiraz.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with extraordinary intensity and precision. Fine yet powerful tannins wrap tightly around a core of dark fruit, savoury spice and crushed ironstone minerality, while vibrant natural acidity gives the wine immense energy and drive. Despite the concentration of the warm 2022 season, the structure remains poised, silky and beautifully controlled, with whole-bunch fermentation contributing spice, perfume and a remarkably “ethereal” texture. The finish is exceptionally long and persistent, carrying lingering notes of graphite, black olive, spice and ferrous earthiness with monumental ageing potential.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is unquestionably one of the benchmark Syrahs in Australia — and increasingly one of the great Syrahs of the world. Compared to fuller, oak-driven Australian Shiraz styles, Farvie offers astonishing finesse, savoury complexity and mineral tension while still delivering immense concentration and power. Stylistically, it sits somewhere between Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage and a uniquely Australian ironstone-driven expression of Syrah. The 2022 vintage is especially profound, with critics calling it potentially the finest Farvie Syrah yet, earning scores up to 99 points. Already breathtaking with extended decanting, but this is absolutely a wine for long-term cellaring. Drink now with patience or cellar confidently through 2045+ as it develops further leather, olive, spice and tertiary complexity. Exceptional with venison, lamb shoulder, chargrilled beef or richly savoury dishes.
