Terracura new releases

Ryan Mostert of Terracura.

There’s much for a winery to consider when it comes to deciding on the right moment to release its wines – too soon and the danger is that they will be consumed while still excessively raw and unresolved; too late and the drinker misses out in a crucial early stage of development. Ryan Mostert of Terracura seems to have got it just right, his much-anticipated 2017s only coming to market now. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Terracura Syrah 2017
Price: R375
Grapes from four Swartland vineyards, predominantly situated on the schist soils of the Kasteelberg but one on granite soils on the Paardeberg. The nose shows red and black berries, potpourri, cured meat and white pepper while the palate is particularly vivid with pure fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins. This is already quite accessible which is not to imply simple – rather it’s wonderfully well balanced and elegant. Total production: 1 700 bottles.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Terracura Trinity Syrah 2017
Price: R530
From a single Kasteelberg vineyard planted on schist in 1995 selected on account of it being particularly distinctive. Potent aromatics of dark berries, a hint of olive, lily, fynbos, earth and spice. The palate has lovely fruit definition – it’s intense but not weighty, lemon-like acidity providing freshness while the tannins are fine but not too fine. More particular and more direct than its counterpart above. Total production: 360 bottles.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

Attention: Reviews like this take time and effort to create. We need your support to make our work possible. To make a financial contribution, click here. Invoice available upon request – contact info@winemag.co.za