McWilliams McW Reserve 660 Canberra Syrah 2017

Earlier in the week you may have caught my tasting note for the McW Reserve 660 Cabernet Sauvignon which Mr Spittoon and I both really enjoyed. This 2017 Syrah from Canberra is the partner wine in the range, also retailing for $25.

Before I get stuck in, I just want to say a big thank you to Dialogue PR for sending over these samples – they have been perfect for the chilly weather we have had in Victoria!

I find with so many wines on the market, it really is about learning about that unique point of difference in each wine. That thing which makes them special. So what’s special about the McWilliam’s McW 660 Reserve range?

Well the range is focused on producing ‘premium Australian cool climate, high altitude red wines – renowned for being elegant, food-friendly and generous in flavour’. For me, what stands out as unique in that sentence is the ‘high altitude’. Plus I also like the fact this is Syrah is from Canberra, as I definitely don’t drink enough wine from Canberra (and i have had some bloody good ones!).

So the average altitude where the grapes are grown for this wine are at 600 meters above sea level. How does this impact the grapes and ultimately what’s in your glass? Well the high altitude’s mean the grapes get more intense sunshine throughout the day and cooler climates at night which results in prolonged ripening periods.

With more sunshine the grapes develop deeper pigment concentration (resulting in thicker & tougher grape skins) which help give deeper colours and tannins to the wine. The slower ripening period helps to create well-balanced wines.

Okay so at the end of the day what did we think? Here are our notes:

It’s a deep scarlet red colour in the glass. Notes of red and black berries, spice, vanilla oak and a whiff of tobacco rise up from the glass. While in the mouth it has a fruity vibe to it with a subtle hint of acidity and pepper spice with some drying tannins too. If I had to pick between the McW Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, the Cab would definitely win my wine glass.

This wine was sent to me directly as a sample, I was under no obligation to post about it.

All opinions are based on my own taste buds. Wine is subjective & always evolving, so make sure you drink what you enjoy!