Coates ‘The Reserve’ Syrah 2020 is a limited, premium expression of McLaren Vale Syrah from Duane Coates—an old-world-leaning, detail-driven winemaker whose style favours perfume, savoury complexity and finely etched structure over sheer sweetness. Drawn from exceptional parcels (with Willunga fruit at its core) and handled traditionally with minimal intervention, it’s a serious, cellar-worthy Syrah with poise and depth.

Appearance:
Deep crimson to inky garnet with a vivid purple-black core and a bright, clean rim. Slow, stained legs hint at concentration and oak seasoning, while the overall clarity and saturation suggest a tightly wound, youthful reserve release.

Aroma:
Dark plum, blackberry and mulberry up front, then violet, cracked black pepper and clove. With air, it turns more savoury—olive tapenade, dried herbs, smoked meat and a touch of graphite—framed by subtle cedar, toast and dark cocoa from fine French oak.

Taste:
Medium-to-full bodied and composed. Ripe black fruits sit neatly inside a savoury, Rhône-like profile: peppercorn, liquorice root, charcuterie and earthy spice. Tannins are fine-grained and chalky, building confidently through the mid-palate, while a steady line of acidity keeps the wine fresh and tailored rather than heavy. Oak is present but disciplined—more structure and spice than sweetness.

Finish:
Long, layered and gently ferrous, trailing black fruit skin, pepper, cocoa nib and dried herb. The final impression is savoury, polished and persistent, with tannins that invite time in bottle.

Food Pairing:
Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic, pepper-crusted ribeye, venison, smoky BBQ brisket, or charred eggplant with miso. Also excellent with aged cheddar or manchego.