The resurgence of the uniquely Australian Pinot Shiraz blend is something that we should all celebrate. It just works. Having burst back onto the scene in the Hunter Valley and Victoria, it’s great to see winemakers from other states getting in on the act, especially when those winemakers are Michael Downer and Peter Dredge. Downer’s Falcon features a blend of Estate-grown Syrah from Oakbank (70%) and Pinot Noir from the Piccadilly Valley (30%). Both vineyard sources average 20-plus years in age and both were wild-fermented in small-batch, open fermenters before maturation in barrique and puncheon (8% new). “I was a seeking to fuse the ‘forest’ style of Pinot, which is usual for Ashton, matched with slippery, slightly bunchy Syrah from home (Oakbank).” says Downer.