Solace Syrah 2016

Pinpoint.

Solace Syrah from Iona in Elgin is an expression of a vineyard in the Elgin Valley, not as high as the majority of this cellar’s holdings and dry relative to the rest of the district. In an effort to achieve something of particular provenance, grower Rozy Gunn works biodynamically as far as possible when it comes to the cultivation of grapes while winemaker Werner Muller takes a light-handed approach in the cellar, fermentation occurring spontaneously and no new oak used for maturation. Tasting notes and rating for the third-release 2016 as follows:

On the nose, red and black fruit, a hint of fynbos, pepper, and spice as well as just a little reductive smokiness. The palate meanwhile manages to exhibit good depth of fruit without sacrificing freshness, something that is becoming a hallmark of this wine. Flavour-packed with nicely grippy tannins, this has a lovely vinosity about it – not too lean, not too plush, just right (alcohol: 13.5%).  Approximate retail price: R290 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

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