The 2024 Swinney Syrah is another exceptional release from one of Australia’s benchmark modern Syrah producers, sourced from the Wilson’s Pool and Powderbark vineyards in Frankland River, Western Australia. Crafted by Rob Mann using wild fermentation, around 28% whole-bunch inclusion and maturation in large-format French oak (only 8% new), the wine continues Swinney’s hallmark style — combining Rhône-like perfume, savoury complexity and ironstone-driven minerality with remarkable polish and precision. The nose is deeply aromatic and layered, revealing blackberry, mulberry and black cherry alongside violet, cracked pepper and clove spice. There are savoury notes of olive tapenade, nori, leather, aniseed and dried herbs, with floral lift and subtle herbal freshness from whole-bunch fermentation adding further complexity. The aromatic profile feels dark-fruited yet finely tuned, sitting much closer stylistically to Northern Rhône Syrah than traditional blockbuster Australian Shiraz.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with silky yet finely structured tannins and vibrant acidity that gives the wine exceptional energy and drive. Dark berry fruits are framed by savoury spice, crushed ironstone, graphite and saline mineral tension, creating a wine that feels both generous and tightly controlled. Compared to fuller-bodied Barossa Shiraz styles, the Swinney emphasizes freshness, structure and savoury detail over sheer richness. Lees ageing and large-format oak contribute a subtle creaminess and polish without obscuring the vineyard character. The finish is long, mineral and persistent, with those signature ferrous, graphite-like tannins carrying beautifully through the palate.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is one of the standout Syrahs in Australia right now — a wine that consistently delivers serious vineyard expression and exceptional value. Compared to richer Australian Shiraz, Swinney offers far more tension, spice and Rhône-inspired finesse, sitting stylistically somewhere between Cornas and modern cool-climate Australian Syrah. The 2024 vintage is especially compelling, combining the concentration of a warm, dry year with remarkable freshness and structural clarity thanks to meticulous viticulture and earlier picking. It’s already highly expressive with some air, but will comfortably cellar through 2039+ as it develops further savoury, earthy and tertiary complexity. Exceptional with lamb, venison, chargrilled beef or richly savoury dishes.
