The Syrah counterpart to Ava Chenin Blanc, also named for Donovan Rall's daughter and sourced from the same low-yielding schist vineyard, farmed at around 2.4 hectares. Where Rall's entry Syrah is raw and direct, Ava is the more serious, concentrated expression, widely regarded as one of the more refined modern Cape Syrahs and made in equally small volumes.

Sourced from a single, low-yielding schist vineyard in the Swartland farmed by Donovan Rall in partnership with the grower, the same site used for Ava Chenin Blanc. 100% whole bunch fermented with natural yeast, then raised in older French barrel for around a year before bottling. No new oak, added acid or commercial yeast is used.

Tasting Notes: 100% whole bunch fermented and raised in older barrel for around a year, Ava Syrah has consistently shown a perfumed, savoury style rather than outright power. Expect red and black berries, rose, lavender, fynbos, cured meat and white pepper on the nose, with a medium-bodied, vital palate: fine, densely packed tannins, fresh acidity and a long, dry finish. It's a wine built on finesse and site expression over weight.

Food Pairing: Ava Syrah's fine tannins and savoury, spice-driven profile suit dishes with a little gaminess or char, rather than heavy, fatty cuts that would overpower its elegance. Grilled lamb cutlets with rosemary: the char and herb notes echo the wine's own fynbos and pepper character, while the tannins have just enough grip to handle the fat. Springbok or venison loin: lean game meat matches the wine's structure without needing the fruit weight of a bigger Syrah. Duck breast with a cherry or plum reduction: dark fruit in the sauce picks up on the wine's own berry character, while the duck's fat softens the tannins. Coq au vin or a rich mushroom stew: the wine's cured meat and earthy notes sit naturally alongside a slow braised, wine-based sauce. Aged Gouda or a firm goat's cheese: a salty, nutty cheese won't fight the wine's more delicate aromatics the way a very strong blue would.

Although the 2025 vintage remains too recent to have attracted formal published ratings, the reputation of AVA Syrah is already firmly established through the acclaim accorded to preceding releases. These vintages have positioned the wine as a benchmark expression of South African Syrah:

• 2024 Vintage: 97 Points – Tim Atkin MW

• 2023 Vintage: 98 Points – Tim Atkin MW; 96 Points – James Suckling