Cirrus Syrah 2013

High level.

Cirrus Wines is a partnership between Jean Engelbrecht of Rust en Vrede in Stellenbosch and the Duncan family of Silver Oak in Napa Valley, California dating from 2003.

This enterprise doesn’t seem to get much airtime but the 2013, currently available from Wine Cellar at R255 a bottle, is quite striking.

Made by Coenie Snyman and the Rust en Vrede team from Stellenbosch grapes, the nose displays aromatics of red and black fruit, pepper plus attractive oak-derived notes of vanilla and cinnamon. There’s apparently a dash of Viognier in the mix but this is not too much in evidence. The palate is rich but not short of freshness with lovely fruit concentration and well-judged oak, the finish long and dry. More heft than most of the new-wave versions of this variety but not crass or vulgar. On the contrary, a very accomplished wine.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

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