Three Quarters Syrah 2022

Mahalia Kotjane grew up in Vosloorus on the East Rand. A grade 9 school project on microorganisms saw her researching the role that yeast plays in the fermentation process, and she was hooked.

After school, it was off to Elsenburg Agricultural College to study winemaking before enrolled in the Cape Winemaker’s Guild Protégé programme between 2015 to 2017. She took time off between 2017 and 2018 to start a family but in 2019 started working at Stark-Condé and most recently Lievland.

No, she has decided to go it alone, her label to be known as Three Quarters – she is the fourth child of three pregnancies (two of her older siblings being twins) and hence the name.

The first release (set for end-October) is a Syrah from the 2022 vintage, grapes from two Polkadraai Hills properties, specifically Karibib and Bluegum Grove. Winemaking involved 30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 18 months in old 225-litre barrels. Alcohol, meanwhile, is 13.5%.

Pretty aromatics of strawberry, rose, fynbos and hints of white pepper and other spice precede a palate that is light-bodied with lemon-like acidity and fine tannins, the finish possessing a saline quality. It’s a delicate, low-key wine that’s entirely charming as a result. Price: R210 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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