Stellenbosch Syrah 2023

A wine showing the optimal elegance Syrah is capable of, with archetypal aromatics of violets and blackberries, white pepper, and intriguing sliver of spice while the palate is particularly vivid and energetic – lovely pure fruit to go with a great line of acidity and fine, silky tannins.

Cluttered with massive rocks of broken shale, this example of classic cool-climate Syrah is made from two vineyards set on the edge of the restless Atlantic Ocean at False Bay. The focus was on maintaining fruit-purity and truest reflection of provenance in one of the world’s greatest red wine varieties.

The fermentation tank was filled with 25% whole clusters at the bottom and 75% destemmed whole berries on top, to extract the complete spectrum of fruit characters whilst elevating the wine with vibrancy and freshness. A ten-month period of maturation in old French oak barrels and Italian terracotta amphora eased the tannins, while adding depth, nuance and layered complexity, while preserving the brightness and life-affirming vigour of an expressive red wine.