Grapes sourced from the Langverwagt farm in Kuils River on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. Decomposed granite soils overlooking Table Bay and False Bay, a perfect home for maritime Stellenbosch Syrah. Three parcels of vines, all trellised but farmed as a sprawl canopy – a trellised bush vine of sorts. Soils are poor, vigour is low and grapes are scarce, all a perfect recipe for classically styled Syrah.

All the fruit is sorted as whole bunches before spontaneous fermentation in conical foudre and open top fermenters. 30% of the fruit is fermented as submerged cap with regular aeration, the balance as a regular fermentation with 2-4 aerated pump overs per day. 2-3 weeks on skins is followed by basket pressing and aging in old 500L barrels for 13 months.

Tasting Notes: This wine shows incredible precision, elegance and poise. Aromas of tobacco leaf, incense, blackberry, and plum. The palate is described as medium-bodied, with savory cured meat, white pepper, and crushed stone notes. A cool, saline, and elegant structure rather than heavy fruit weight wine.  A wine that will drink well for the next 10-12 years. 

Duncan Savage is a fan of the "purity and elegance" of the 2023 vintage, comparing it to 2017 and 2021. His eponymous red is now a delicious, pure Syrah from the Langverwagt farm in Kuils River on the edge of Stellenbosch, showing aromas of tobacco leaf, incense and clove, spicy 50% whole bunches and a core of blackberry, plum and tapenade. 2027-34. Tim Atkin 96

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.4% | TA 5.1g/L | pH 3.65 | RS 1.9g/L