Syrah on Shale 2022
R 570.00
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 made by grinding rocks and soil from Gabriëlskloof's own vineyards and mixing them with natural binders to create earth-based paints. Each label carries the earth of the farm itself, a true representation of the 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
Collections: Red Wines, The Landscape Series