A distinctive Rhône-meets-Portugal red from Malgas, combining Syrah's savoury spice with the dark-fruited depth of Touriga Nacional

Blend: 56% Touriga Nacional, 44% Syrah

Savage Are We There Yet is one of the most distinctive wines in Duncan Savage’s range, its name evoking the long journey from Cape Town to Malgas, where the vineyards lie along the Breede River. A blend of Syrah and Touriga Nacional, it bridges stylistic references to the Rhône and Portugal while remaining firmly rooted in South Africa. The fruit is drawn from two parcels on the Sijnn property, where vines grow in intensely rocky soils dominated by river pebbles over shale. This demanding terroir naturally restricts yields, producing fruit of remarkable concentration, savoury depth, and mineral drive. Grapes are rigorously sorted before spontaneous fermentation in open‑top fermenters, with around 10% of the Syrah retained as whole bunches to enhance aromatic lift and structure. Following basket pressing, the wine matures for ten months in seasoned 500‑litre French oak barrels. The result is a dense yet energetic red, layered with dark fruit, spice, and floral notes, underpinned by a distinctive savoury‑mineral character that speaks unmistakably of Malgas.

Tasting notes: The nose is immediately striking, showing dark cherry, blackberry, plum and blueberry layered with violet, fynbos, Mediterranean herbs, black pepper and subtle smoky, tarry notes. The palate is concentrated and powerful but avoids heaviness. Dark berry fruit and plum are supported by bright acidity and firm, crunchy tannins. It shows fascinating oyster-shell salinity, giving the wine a distinctly savoury dimension and helping drive a long, dry finish. With bottle age, the tannins should soften while the wine develops further layers of spice, earth and dark fruit. Robust tannins; approachable young but will improve with age over the next 10 years.

Food pairing: A superb match for rich, deeply flavoured dishes. Think grilled ribeye, slow-cooked beef short rib, lamb shank, venison, wild boar or steak with a pepper sauce. The wine also has enough structure and savoury complexity for South African dishes such as Karoo lamb, potjie or rich tomato-based bredies. For something different, pair it with Portuguese-style grilled meats, chorizo or mushroom and aubergine dishes.

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.1% | TA 5.0g/L | pH 3.69 | RS 2.2g/L