Prescient Shiraz Report 2020: Top 10
By Christian Eedes, 11 August 2020
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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 70 entries from 56 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:
Allée Bleue 2018
Price: R180
Wine of Origin: Franschhoek
Abv: 14%
Casa Simelia Syrah 2018
Price: R240
Wine of Origin: Wellington
Abv: 14.5%
De Grendel Elim 2018
Price: R765/1.5L
Wine of Origin: Elim
Abv: 13.5%
Lammershoek The Innocent Syrah 2018
Price: R94
Wine of Origin: Swartland
Abv: 14.11%
Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2017
Price: R375
Wine of Origin: Swartland
Abv: 13.71%
Painted Wolf Walker Bay Syrah 2018
Price: R180
Wine of Origin: Walker Bay
Abv: 13.9%
Saxenburg Private Collection Syrah 2017
Price: R250
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.5%
Stark-Condé Stellenbosch Syrah 2017
Price: R205
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.5%
Tokara Reserve Collection Syrah 2017
Price: R330
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.65%
Vrede en Lust Lady J Syrah 2017
Price: R150
Wine of Origin: Western Cape
Abv: 14%
About the variety
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 is an important variety in South Africa, occupying 10% of the national vineyard at the end of 2019 (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?
Average cellar-door price of the Top 10 is R238.65 per 750ml bottle, Lammershoek The Innocent Syrah 2018 being the most affordable at R94 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 2020
Shop online
Johannesburg boutique wine retailer Dry Dock Liquor is offering all wines in the top 10 for sale – buy now.
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ivan vino19 November 2020
This is Ivan Vino, I import South African wine to Peru and I am looking for a consolidator to expand my selection of Pinotage, Shiraz and Chenin.. If you do know one please let them know I need help on that end.
Andreas Abold11 August 2020
Hi Christian,
the result is very much appreciated. It is great to see that the Lammershoek terroir produce one of the best Syrah’s in the country and we put it on the shelf for a price which no-one can beat. Andreas
Gareth11 August 2020
Thanks Christian,
I definitely fall into the camp that prefers the bigger, richer versions than the new wave light examples. For this reason, I really appreciate when this difference is highlighted in a tasting note.
Also, the Eagle’s Nest is usually amazing. Is 2016 a particularly poor vintage for this producer?
Gareth18 August 2020
Hi Christian,
I see you’re active on the site again, and would love to hear your thoughts on this vintage of Eagle’s Nest?
Christian Eedes18 August 2020
Hi Gareth, Apologies for not replying sooner. The great strength of Eagles’ Nest Shiraz is that it usually manages to have broad appeal managing to deliver just enough peppery aromatics to go with the fruit power that comes from a longer hang-time that Constantia provides. The 2016, however, appears slightly disjointed and awkward with a sort of sweet ‘n sour quality about it. Try to get your hands on as much of the superlative 2015 as possible would be my advice…
Gareth18 August 2020
Thank you, I appreciate the advice.
Hennie C11 August 2020
Interesting to note that no one region dominates the top 10, they are from all over the show.
Carl11 August 2020
Hennie, perhaps it is confirmation that SA wine regions are well suited to the varietal.