Wines Adelaide Hills Bird in Hand - Syrah - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Bird in Hand Syrah 2024 is a red wine that perfectly encapsulates the contemporary spirit of Adelaide Hills. Crafted predominantly from Syrah, this cuvée showcases the varietal’s expressive fruit alongside the finesse derived from the region’s cooler climate. The 2024 vintage benefited from a mild growing season, allowing gradual ripening and vibrant aromatics. The winemaking here focuses on gentle extraction to preserve the Syrah’s natural elegance, with fermentation carried out in small batches. Maturation, often in a mix of French oak barrels, imparts subtle spice and structure without overshadowing the varietal’s distinctive profile. In the glass, expect ripe blackberry and plum, hints of white pepper, violet, and a delicate smokiness—an alluring combination of vibrancy and depth.

The Adelaide Hills, set east of Adelaide in South Australia, is renowned for its elevated sites and cool-climate viticulture. The region’s rolling hills reach altitudes of up to 600 metres, helping to moderate temperatures and extend the growing season. The soils here are typically a mix of sandy loam and clay, offering good drainage and encouraging deep root systems in the vines. With a winemaking history stretching back to the mid-19th century, Adelaide Hills has grown into a benchmark for refined Australian cool-climate wines, and Syrah (or Shiraz, as it is often called) from this area delivers impressive freshness and complexity.

For food pairing, this Syrah is versatile and engaging. Its bright fruit and moderate spice make it an excellent companion to grilled lamb cutlets, pepper steak, or a rosemary-infused roast chicken. To embrace local flavours, try the wine with kangaroo fillet or a hearty mushroom ragù highlighting the region’s seasonal produce. The wine’s balance also lends itself well to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as ratatouille or aubergine parmigiana.

To fully appreciate its aromatic purity and supple tannins, serve Bird in Hand Syrah 2024 at 15-17°C. Decanting for half an hour will allow its bouquet to open up beautifully. This wine can be enjoyed now for its youthful energy, or cellared for a few years to reveal further layers of complexity.