Syrah on Shale 2022

ABOUT

The Landscape Series is a range of six wines that showcase our finest vineyard sites, together with some special old vine treasures, and aims to give an honest representation of the elements that make them unique. We wanted the labels to reflect this approach and commissioned artist Rod Freemantle to capture the spirit of these landscapes. He painted each label using pigments he created by grinding rocks from the vineyards where these grapes were grown, mixing them with natural binders to create earth-based paints. Each label literally contains the ground beneath the vines—a true representation of the diverse landscapes that shape these wines.

VINEYARD NOTES

The fruit comes from a single Bokkeveld shale site on the Gabriëlskloof property. A high clay component allows for excellent water retention and a resultant riper fruit profile in the wine. Another factor that has a significant influence on our terroir is wind, and this vineyard site faces the full brunt of the south-easterly wind, providing just enough stress for the vines to show their true colours.

WINEMAKING

The fruit was hand-picked into small crates and transferred directly into our cold room, where it remained overnight. More than half of the crop was destemmed, with the rest left as clusters. The wine was fermented wild in small, open-top fermenters with extended post-fermentation maceration. Aged in 500L barrels for 14 months, with second and third-fill French Oak used.

TASTING NOTE

A richly perfumed nose of violets, pepper and blueberries leads to a pure-fruited and opulent palate showing darker berries and black olives. A stony, textured mouthfeel from powdery and expertly integrated tannins supports the fruit's weight as fresh acidity lifts the wine and gives it a balancing freshness. The finish is intense, deep and long.

TECHNICAL

Alc 13.96% vol | RS 2.7 | TA 5.7 | pH 3.53

PDF Tasting note here.