Prescient Shiraz Report 2021: Top 10
By Christian Eedes, 24 August 2021
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Introduction
This year’s Shiraz Report convened by Winemag.co.za and sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient is now out. There were 96 entries from 75 producers and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.
Top 10
The 10 best wines overall are as follows:
95
Harry Hartman Somesay Syrah 2020
Price: R295
Wine of Origin: Western Cape
Abv: 13.13%
94
Rust en Vrede Single Vineyard Syrah 2017
Price: R1 100
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 15.05%
93
DeMorgenzon Reserve Syrah 2017
Price: R430
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.5%
93
Kruger Family Reserve 2017 (Stellenview Premium Wines)
Price: R205
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.15%
93
Rust en Vrede Estate Vineyards Syrah 2019
Price: R320
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.02%
About the category
When it comes to Shiraz, two broad styles can be discerned, the first the overtly aromatic, medium-bodied but densely structured wines typical of France’s Rhône, and the second being the darkly coloured, full-fruited wines most famously associated with South Australia’s Barossa Valley.
Shiraz and Syrah are simply two names for the same grape variety, the former supposedly denoting wines of power and the latter wines of restraint but in reality it is not possible to make such a clear-cut distinction.
Shiraz is an important variety in South Africa, occupying 9.9% of the national vineyard at the end of 2020 (second only to Cabernet Sauvignon among reds) and it is to the country’s credit that it seems capable of making accomplished examples across the stylistic spectrum.
What does top Shiraz go for?
The average price of the 50 wines to rate 90-plus is R236 a bottle and of the Top 10 is R377. Offering the best quality relative to price is Du Toitskloof 2018 with a rating of 94 and selling for R75 a bottle.
In-depth analysis
To read the report in full, including key findings, tasting notes for the top wines, buyers guide and scores on the 100-point quality scale for all wines entered, download the following: Prescient Shiraz Report 2021
Shop online
Johannesburg boutique wine retailer Dry Dock Liquor is offering some of the wines in the Top 10 for sale and can deliver nationwide – buy now.
Online retailer Wine-of-the-Month Club is offering a six-bottle mixed case selected from the Top 10 – buy now.
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