Montegray Vineyards Syrah 2015

Roam if you want to.

Montegray Vineyards is a label created by Rose Jordaan of Bartinney Private Cellar in order to produce small batches wines from interesting vineyards, the project centred on a 25-year-old block of Syrah near Bartinney that Jordaan acquired.

Made by Ronel Wiid, grapes were destalked, fermentation taking place in open-topped oak vessels, some stalks added back. Maturation, meanwhile, lasted 12 months and a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon was added for extra structure.

The nose shows red fruit, olive brine, pepper and spice while the palate is medium bodied and yet quite dense (alcohol: 14.4%) with fresh acidity and soft tannins, the finish long and savoury. All in all, it’s a characterful drop. Price: R180 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 91/100.

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