Black Elephant Vintners Amistad Syrah 2023

Black Elephant Vintners, the partnership between former stockbrokers Kevin Swart and Raymond Ndlovu plus winemaker Jacques Wentzel, have an irreverent approach to marketing while insisting on being taken seriously about what’s in the bottle.

They got it completely right with their Rumble in the Jungle Pinotage 2023, a new-wave take on the variety that placed Top 10 with a rating of 94 in this year’s category report sponsored by Prescient and their Amistad Syrah 2023 again impresses.

Grapes from various old untrellised vineyards in the Swartland, 15 – 25% whole bunches were added to each ferment, maturation lasting 12 months in a combination of cement and foudre. The nose shows red berries, a touch of olive, potpourri, fynbos and white pepper while the palate is pure and vibrant (alc: 13.34%) with powdery tannins. It’s a composed, unshowy and engaging wine. Price: R325 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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