This is the first year we have sourced fruit from this vineyard with the intention to replace the Sparrows vineyard which had been pulled out. The Sluiter vineyard is ¾ of a hectare of Syrah with 3 different clones 1164, 1127 and 1125. The soil is sand over light clay, and the site is cool under the shadow of a large hill, with ripening taking place towards the end of April.

The fruit for 2021 was harvested on the 12th of April at 11.5% potential alcohol. Whole bunches were chilled for 3 days pre-fermentation with 3 tonne jarrah fermenters filled, leaving 80% of the fruit as whole bunch. At the end of fermentation, bunches were jumped on just before pressing to extract colour and tannin.

The wine is soft and distinctly Syrah with powerful violets and blueberries. The fruit is grounded thought by the early tannins and acidy resulting in a wine that’s light with great depth, and very drinkable. – Commune of Buttons