Minimalist Wines is the brainchild of Sam Lambson, who started making wine while still in his early twenties and studying Oenology at Stellenbosch University. From the very beginning, his goal has been simple: let the grapes and their cool-climate vineyards speak for themselves. He works with sites in Elgin, Cape Agulhas, and parts of Stellenbosch, using gentle, minimal-intervention techniques in both vineyard and cellar. The result is Syrah that feels honest and site-driven, capturing the unique character of each vineyard rather than heavy-handed winemaking. Despite being a young producer, Sam’s wines have already earned recognition for their elegance, nuance, and clear expression of terroir.
The 2023 Stars in the Dark Syrah is a coastal, site-driven wine from Cape Agulhas that captures the unique character of its southernmost vineyards. The nose opens with vibrant stewed berries, cranberry, and a hint of green pepper, while the palate is defined by a briny, saline minerality and a subtle herbal complexity. Whole-bunch fermentation gives the wine structure without heaviness, and fine tannins provide a delicate grip. The finish is long and tense, with lingering spice and a refreshing coastal freshness, making it an elegant yet rugged expression of cool-climate Syrah.
