A collaboration between Chris Alheit and William Fogwell, this is the second vintage of a Syrah made from two distinctive vineyard sites in the Western Cape. One lies on schist soils in the Swartland, just north of Porseleinberg, while the other is at Karibib in the Polkadraai Hills, where granite soils bring a brighter, more fragrant character. The two components are fermented with a high proportion of whole bunches and matured in older oak and concrete. The result is an elegant, finely structured Syrah that favours freshness, perfume and savoury complexity over sheer weight. A thoughtful expression of South African Syrah, with plenty of character and the potential to develop in bottle.
Fragrant aromas of red and black berries, pomegranate and violets are joined by hints of white pepper and wild herbs. The palate is bright and focused, with clear, juicy fruit, fresh acidity and fine, supple tannins. There's a subtle savoury edge beneath the fruit, leading to a dry, graceful finish. Medium-bodied and full of detail, this is Syrah with elegance and energy rather than muscle
