Toby Bekkers Syrah 2013

In writing an offer like this, it is sometimes difficult to describe clearly just how impressed I am by a particular wine. Fortunately, my thoughts coincide with those of wine critic Matthew Jukes, whom I quote below. You might recall Matthew’s comments following his tasting of the 212 Syrah from Toby Bekkers...he could hardly contain his excitement. We will be intrigued to see what he makes of the 2013 Syrah in due course as –  for my palate – this more than ably justifies the early praise heaped on this venture.

Fifteen cases of the 2012 vintage are arriving at Atlas Fine Wines in a few weeks’ time and so I am thrilled to let you know about this exceptional Syrah……This wine is one of the most arresting creations I have seen this year……Suffice to say that this Syrah is impeccably balanced, showing mercurial skill in every gentle wave of flavour lapping along its minutes long palate.  This calibre of earth, spice, oak control and fruit quality is rare anywhere in the world, but virtually unheard of in McLaren Vale.  It is a near perfect interpretation, by its makers, of its vineyards and I adore it. – Matthew Jukes 
 
It seems that Mr Jukes isn’t alone in his excitement; our small allocation of Toby’s excellent Syrah quickly finds a home with our clients, as did the recently introduced Grenache and Syrah/Grenache blend that we released earlier this year.
 
Toby Bekkers specialises in finding tiny parcels of exceptionally high quality grapes as part of his day job consulting for some of the leading South Australian producers. Emma Bekkers (or Emmanuelle, as she is originally French in both origin and training)  then makes the wine. Production is small, reflecting their desire to maintain quality above all else, and just over 250 cases of the Syrah is produced each vintage.
 
The 2013 is from the Bekkers family’s own Gateway vineyard, as well as the renowned Hickinbotham parcel with which Toby is familiar from his work as a consultant. The vineyards are both within the Mclaren Vale and offer noticeable freshness compared to some of the hotter vineyards further inland or at lower altitudes. Hickinbotham (followers of high-quality Australian Syrah will know this vineyard as formerly part of the impressive Clarendon Hills estate) lies at over 200 metres, approximately 15 kilometres away from the coast on distinctive red loam soils. The cooler and later-ripening influence of altitude results –  in Toby’s words –  in ‘a finer-framed wine but with very attractive aromatic punch and fine tannin’. Gateway is just 4 kilometres from the coast, but is slightly warmer, giving fruit generosity and flavour on the mid-palate.
 
2013 Syrah, Toby Bekkers, McLaren Vale
£295 per 6 bottle case in bond
The 2013 is dark red with a purplish hue. Attractive, fragrant with hints of spice and cracked black pepper allied to its impeccably ripe fruit of cassis and blueberry. Remarkably fine, silky-textured even on the palate with a marked freshness that seems to underscore the vibrant qualities of the fruit. The warmer 2013 vintage conditions (when compared to 2012) have delivered an impressive depth of flavour and a darker more brooding fruit quality, which is offset beautifully by the wine’s tell-tale brightness and energy – undoubtedly these are the trademarks of the Bekkers style. The finish is long and scented, with wave after wave of spice infused dark berry. Another truly captivating Syrah from this talented team. Drink now – 2015 till 2026. (SL)
 
To be involved with such a range in their early development is a privilege for all at Atlas. These are truly exciting wines and I believe the Bekkers story is set to grow and grow as more journalists and critics become familiar with these head-turning wines.