La Motte Pierneef Syrah Viognier 2016

Artful.

While Syrah-Viognier blends are not nearly as fashionable as they were perhaps 10 years ago, one producer which persists is La Motte in Franschhoek and the result always a stylish affair, the 2016 currently available at R260 a bottle.

 Consisting of 95% Syrah sourced from Elim and Walker Bay plus 5% Viognier from Franschhoek, maturation lasting 14 months in 300-litre French oak barrels, 50% new. The nose shows some reduction before black fruit, a vague note of lavender as well as white pepper and spice. The palate, meanwhile, is marked by dense fruit, super-fresh acidity and gently grippy tannins. Alcohol is a relatively light 12.96% and the wine could do with a year or two to settle down. Total production is an impressive 91 200 bottles plus 800 magnums.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.