The Vanguardist range represents the epitome of what we are about. Pushing the realms of standard winemaking to deliver intrigue, excitement and full recognition of this special and distinct terroir. Ultimate dedication to the craft of viticulture and
winemaking, encapsulated in a bottle – through our lens.

SINGLE SITE: SYRAH FROM RENDE VINEYARD, BLEWITT SPRINGS, MCLAREN VALE

VINEYARD
The Rende property spans seven hectares, with five hectares under vine. Of this, 3.7 hectares are 55 year old goblet bush vine Grenache, while the remaining consists of Syrah planted on own roots in the late 1960s and late 1990s.

MANAGEMENT & PHILOSOPHY
As an experienced vigneron, Michael manages the entire vineyard. His approach combines meticulous attention to detail with a steadfast commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices. He prioritises soil health, biodiversity, and vine resilience,

SYRAH ADDITION
The 2023 vintage marked a significant milestone for both the vineyard and the Vanguardist portfolio. The conclusion of a external contract allowed full integration of the Syrah plantings into our production. These Syrah vines showcase the unique qualities of both the old and mature plantings, complementing the revered Grenache vines.

HARVEST
The grapes were hand-harvested in two picks on February 29 and March 4, 2023.

WINEMAKING PROCESS
With 60% whole bunch inclusion, the fruit underwent pigéage and an extended maceration period of approximately four weeks. Post fermentation, the wine was aged for 17 months in one and year old 500L french puncheons. This extended élevage included a second winter in barrel, followed by racking in early spring to prepare for bottling. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered in November 2024, once optimal natural cellar temperatures prevailed.

PROFILE
This Syrah offers an elegant and complex sensory experience:
Aroma: Black fruits, pencil shavings, graphite, and enticing perfume, with subtle hints of spice.
Palate: Medium-bodied with a cool, mineral-driven texture, beautifully tight tannins, and a peppery undertone. Concentrated yet not heavy, the wine balances finesse and power.
Finish: A superbly long finish, with delicate nuttiness and ripe red fruits emerging with aeration.

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Closure: AMORIM XPUR 49x24mm
FSO2: at bottling 25ppm
TSO2: 43ppm
pH: 3.71
TA: 6.0g/L
Alcohol: 13.1%

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THE WINE FRONT
MB: From Rende Vineyard in Blewitt Springs, now under care of Vanguardist. A distinct wine that brokers a new conversation about McLaren Vale shiraz.

Flinty whiffs over game meat, black pepper, violet floral lift, dark cherry, with some alpine herb flightiness. Almost crisp texture, lithe, cinching tannins, white pepper, red cherry fruitiness with cool, fresh lines and general sense of energy and drive. Gentle twiggy elements, dried herbs, undergrowth lending seasoning – oak very well played. The freshness here is something else. Italianate feel, with syrah credentials. Wonderful. 96 points, 2025-2035

GW: Winemaker Michael Corbett comes from Hawke’s Bay, and I reckon he must have shed a little of that DNA into this wine. Debut release.

Black fruit, pencil and graphite, such perfume, and plenty of spice. Medium-bodied, cool ‘mineral’ feel, beautiful tight tannin, peppery, concentration but not heavy – all just so – with a finish of superb length. A slight nutty flavour with ripe red fruits bobbing up with airtime. Top shelf. The structure here is outstanding. 96 points

96 POINTS
GARY WALSH

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HALLIDAY
The 1.3ha of shiraz on the Vanguardist-farmed Rende vineyard was prior contracted out, but the expiration of that agreement allowed for this bottling, and many more, no doubt. This saw 60% whole bunch and an extended four weeks on skins, then maturation for 17 months in one-year-old puncheons. Compressed black fruits and subdued red ones, nothing spilling out, cured meat, anise, violet, pepper, black tea, struck iron, coffee bean and graphite. It’s more mid-weight, not in depth, just heft, with a savoury demeanour, a purposeful linearity. Fruit intensity is enmeshed in structure, tannins are so finely tooled, intricately woven, quietly at work, red fruits swelling, building up and fanning out through the long finish. A sensational debut.

97 POINTS
MARCUS ELLIS