Mount Sutherland Syrah 2016

Far out.

The 2012 vintage of Mount Sutherland Syrah from high-altitude vineyards near the Karoo village of Sutherland was famously not only best in class but best red wine overall at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show in 2014, bringing this previously unheralded winemaking project to the fore.

The 2016, whole-bunch fermented and matured for 14 months in French oak, 20% new is currently available and it’s again pretty smart. Red and black fruit, herbs, geranium and lavender plus pepper on the nose while the palate is medium bodied (alcohol: 14%) with fresh acidity and crunchy tannins. Detailed, balanced and long on the finish, this is a particular take on the variety as you might expect given the remote site from which it originates. Wine Cellar price: R280 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

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