Life’s an expedition, and the path unfolds as we explore. The quest for a Minimalist Syrah is a journey, a series of connected dots across the Cape Winelands. This year’s Connect the Dots unites exceptional fruit from Agulhas Elgin and Stellenbosch, cool-climate havens where the varietal thrives.

'An Agulhas backbone lends bacon fat, florals and white pepper aromatics with unmistakable salinity on the palate. Elgin deepens structure with a core of dark fruit, oud and woodier spices giving way to the Polkadraai’s briny notes and distinct and intense black pepper. This vintage sees the inclusion of our new Banhoek parcel contributing robust aromatic spice.' – Winemaker

The Blend: 

84% Elgin (Niemandsrivier) 9% Agulhas, 7% Stellenbosch.

Elgin forms the skeleton, with it’s structure and a core of fruit, oud and woodier spices give way to the Polkadraai’s floral, briny notes and distinct black pepper. Agulhas lends bacon fat and white pepper aromatics with unmistakable salinity on the palate.

We harvest in the cool, early hours of the morning. After gentle foot-stomping and crushing, the Agulhas fruit was fermented one-third whole-bunch, Elgin 15% wholebunch and Stellenbosch 100% wholebunch. Natural fermentation gets underway, at its own pace, in a combination of open and closed fermenters. Once complete, we macerate gently with a single, daily pump over and punchdown.

Tasting Notes: The nose shows a little roasted coffee-like reduction before red and black berries, olive and hints of pepper and spice while the palate has impressive depth and texture given a moderate alcohol of 13.5% – layers of subtle flavour, moderate acidity and soft, powdery tannins." - Christian Eedes

Food Pairing: Versatile Syrah that pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops, beef carpaccio, slow-roasted pork, charred aubergine with tahini, and mushroom risotto, with the wine’s dark fruit and savoury spice complementing smoky, earthy and richly flavoured dishes.

‘The 2023 Connect The Dots, which includes an additional parcel in Banhoek (near Tokara), has a lighter bouquet than the '22, with blackberry and raspberry fruit, less concentrated than the '22. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins, a softer texture than the '22, black fruit mixed with Earl Grey, open on the soft-landing finish. Drink this whilst waiting for the '22 to come round. 2026-2034’ – Neal Martin, Vinous