In a recent issue of Decanter, Tim Atkin MW listed his top 10 South African Syrahs, with Syrah emerging as the Cape’s most exciting red grape.
‘If you were looking for evidence of how recently Syrah has risen to prominence in South Africa, you could do worse than visit Sijnn in Malgas and Porseleinberg in the Swartland – remarkable vineyards at opposite ends of the winelands. These very different sites are producing two of the finest examples of the grape in the country.’ – Tim Atkin
Syrah accounts for 10% of plantings in the Cape, and this is on the increase. ‘Many of the best wines display the pepper spice, tapenade and blackberry notes that are so typical of that famous French valley [the Rhône],’ says Atkin.
Tim Atkin lists his top 10 Cape Syrahs:
- Reyneke Reserve Red 2012, 97 points (2013 available)
- Keermont Steepside Syrah 2012, (R375p/b), 96 points
- Porseleinberg Syrah 2013, 96 points (S/O)
- Boeokenhoutskloof Syrah Coastal 2012, 95 points (S/O)
- Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2012 (R285 p/b), 95 points
- Eagles’ Nest Shiraz 2012, 94 points
- Saronsberg Shiraz 2013, 94 points (S/O)
- Sijnn Syrah 2012, 94 points (S/O)
- Mullineux and Leeu Syrah 2013 (R270 p/b), 93 points
- Waterkloof Circumstance Syrah 2012 (R160 p/b), 93 points
The two coolest growing seasons for local Syrahs were 2013 and 2012. The exciting news is that that the 2015 vintage is regarded by many Cape winemakers as one of the best ever – and not just for Syrah.
Read the full Decanter article or visit Winecellar.co.za for more leading local reds .
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