We're thrilled to launch our brand-new certified organic 2023 Voyager Estate Syrah—a meticulously crafted wine three decades in the making. Sourced from our finest Shiraz vineyards, our vision for the Syrah was to express the detail and finesse that is possible from our cooler coastal site in Stevens Valley.

For those curious about what makes it truly distinct, Chief Winemaker, Tim Shand, delves into the Syrah story—from the handpicked vineyard blocks to the subtle shifts in winemaking, and how the cooler season shaped this vintage.

How do you interpret the Syrah style in general?

Syrah, for me, is mostly about tension. While Shiraz can be rich and opulent with its fruit, Syrah is about balancing that richness with savoury notes and bright, light fruit. It’s a style where the tannins hold everything in check, giving the palate focus.

How did you approach making our new Syrah at Voyager Estate?

Our approach at Voyager Estate was to focus on expressing tension and balance. We used whole bunches not just for tannin and dusty savouriness but also to enhance the aromatics, which helps to clip the natural generosity and voluptuousness of Shiraz. We've also made significant changes in our use of oak—only 10% is new, with larger puncheons and less time in barrel.

How would you describe our Syrah in terms of style and flavour?

It all goes back to tension. That aromatic bright fruit meeting graphite and spice. It’s not light in body but feels lighter on its feet. It offers a savoury finish rather than one that's oaky or sweet. The tannins are supple and consistent, without being over-extracted, providing a dustiness that complements the red fruit profile. The oak presence is very much in the background.

How does our Syrah express a sense of place?

In Stevens Valley, the cooler climate and coastal breezes give our grapes extra time to develop on the vine, especially the tannins, which ripen at a relaxed pace. This results in a Syrah that expresses a beautiful balance between boldness and savouriness – a hallmark of Shiraz from our unique site. Carefully selected gravel vineyards and vine age bring complexity and depth. These older vines, rooted in certified organic, free draining soils, produce fruit with a concentration that’s not easily achieved elsewhere in Margaret River.

What do you love most about it?

I love that this wine encapsulates 30 years of work in both the vineyard and the winery, into a wine that we want to make and that we want to put all our energy behind. It reflects our commitment to organic practices, the unique vineyard site, and our overall vision for Voyager Estate.

What is your favourite way to drink it?

Definitely with lamb dishes! North African or Middle Eastern cuisine. Anything where the meat will be a little lighter and has more spice. A tagine would be epic. Its elegance makes it a very versatile red though – it could suit many different situations.

Add the new 2023 Syrah to your collection here.