Voorloper Bush Vines Syrah 2021

If site and age of vines are key determinants of not just wine quality but also individuality, the Voorloper Bush Vine Syrah as made by Daniël de Waal of Super Single Vineyards has a lot going for it.

The vineyard in question is situated on his Stellenboschkloof farm situated between Bottelary and Polkadraai Hills. Untrellised, it was planted in 1985 on granite soils – if conversations about terroir are to be had, here’s a good place to start.  

Winemaking for the newly released 2021 saw the grapes whole-bunch fermented, maturation taking place in third-fill French oak barrels. Heady aromatics of black berries, olive, lavender, incense and pepper precede a palate that’s super-rich but equally fresh and, thanks to tightly packed tannins, dry. With an alcohol of 14.34%, it’s an intensely flavoured, imposing wine. Price: R450 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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