Minimalist Wines No Place Like Home Syrah 2021
By Christian Eedes, 15 March 2023
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Sam Lambson drew attention with his Stars in the Dark Syrah from Elim fruit and this is now joined by No Place Like Home 2021 from Elgin, specifically a 3ha block planted in 2006, four distinct pockets harvested and vinified separately – 20% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 16 months in older 228-litre barrels.
The nose shows rose, red currant and white pepper while the palate is light-bodied with fresh acidity and powdery tannins. It’s a cheerful, lively wine but it arguably could do with a bit more depth of fruit. Price: R315 a bottle.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
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Greg Sherwood | 16 March 2023
Your score seems a tad low Christian. I would be interested to hear your score for the Minimalist Experimental Syrah 2020… same vineyard but made in a more forward, early drinking, simpler style. I would score even that Experimental wine higher than 91/100!
I drank another bottle of the NPLH about 3 weeks ago and was once again impressed by its freshness, understated elegance and cool climate precision. Not all Syrah needs to necessarily be a dense block buster. For my personal preference, I loved its etheral elegance and finesse. Maybe not enough grunt for you??
Christian Eedes | 17 March 2023
Hi Greg, It wasn’t “grunt” that I was missing in the NPLH so much as detail – Elgin Syrah does tend to being lighter in style (Solace from Iona comes to mind – a wine I admire) but there’s a balance to be struck between “ethereal elegance” and an absence of real interest.