The Story Wines R. Lane Vintners Westgate Vineyard Syrah 2021 is a profound, single‑vineyard Grampians Syrah that sits at the top of Rory Lane’s tree – a cool‑climate, old‑vine red that’s all about depth, spice and immaculate structure, rather than sheer size. It’s a limited, flagship release from the iconic Westgate site.

In the glass, this 2021 Westgate Vineyard Syrah shows a deep, dark red core with complex aromas of espresso, blackberry, Italian bitters and loads of regional pepper and spice, often with cassis, cherry and plum in the mix. The palate is full‑bodied yet beautifully poised – dark and minerally with black and purple fruits, velvety mouthfeel, finely etched tannins and a long, refined, peppery finish that carries serious latent power.

This is built for rich, slow‑cooked dishes: think beef bourguignon, braised short rib, roast lamb with rosemary or a truffled mushroom pie, ideally decanted to let those layers of spice and earth unfurl. The Story R. Lane Vintners Westgate Vineyard Syrah 2021 has already picked up a gold medal and 96 points from Halliday, and will drink brilliantly through to at least 2029 and beyond for those who enjoy cool‑climate Australian Syrah at its most refined.