AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: 17.9°C
RAINFALL: 786mm
HARVESTING BEGAN: 5 February 2020
HARVESTING ENDED: 12 February 2020
ORIGIN OF FRUIT: Franschhoek
SOIL TYPE: Decomposed granite
YIELD: 13.3ton/ha
CULTIVAR: 100% Syrah
VINTAGE NOTES: The 2020 Syrah harvest yielded a larger tonnage compared to 2019,
largely due to the favorable winter conditions. Ample winter rainfall enriched the soils,
allowing for post-harvest irrigation which produced healthier vines for the 2020 growing
season. The moderate summer temperatures during ripening helped preserve vibrant
flavors in the grapes with minimal stress allowing for bigger bunches. The 2020 vintage is
expected to deliver full-bodied wines with concentrated, expressive flavor profiles.
WINEMAKING NOTES: Our 2020 Syrah grapes were hand-picked with care and placed
into small lug boxes before being transported to the cellar in refrigerated trucks to
preserve their freshness. Each berry was carefully sorted by an optical sorter, so only the
best entered the fermentation vessels. Fermentation took place in both stainless steel
and concrete tanks to bring out the distinct characteristics of the Syrah. Once
fermentation was complete, the wine was pressed and immediately transferred to barrels,
where malolactic fermentation takes place. For added depth, we kept the wine on the
gross lees for about six months before racking it off and returning it to barrels for further
aging. Maturation occurred in 225L French oak barriques, with a small portion in new
oak, adding layers of complexity and a hint of smokiness.
Only 19 barriques were produced for the 2020 vintage.
TASTING NOTE: Appealing spicy plum and dark fruit compote aromas, perfumed and
seductive. The palate entry is supple, smoothly rounded and comforting. Once again, the
rich and ripe plum, blackberry and blueberry fruit are apparent. It doesn’t stop there,
with pepper, herbs and an earthiness mingling with a cigar box and spice nuance. The
ease and approachability are something of a disguise, as the wine has grip and muscular
power in abundance. Harmonious and somewhat deceptive integrated oak adds to the
impression of effortless ease, yet the wine remains poised, rich, rewarding and complex.
Alc: 14.5% | TA: 5.8g/ℓ | RS: 2.6 g/ℓ | PH: 3.50