Waterleliefontein Grenache Noir Syrah 2019

Waterleliefontein is situated on the Van Der Stel Pass between Bot River and Villiersdorp in the Overberg. Established as an olive farm in 1996, it was acquired in 2013 by Jo Neser, who was a successful commercial lawyer until recently, and wife Tessa. 2ha of Syrah and 1ha of Grenache were planted in 2017, and he first vintage of the Grenache Noir Syrah 2019 made by Albert van Niekerk at Gabriëlskloof was recently released.

Consisting of 56% Grenache and 44% Syrah, winemaking involved 25% whole-bunch fermentation before 10 months of maturation in older oak. Meaty, spicy notes are to the fore on the nose but there’s also touches of red berry and fynbos. The palate is not without weight (alcohol is 14.06%) with brisk acidity and somewhat unyielding tannins. It’s not exactly polished but there’s no denying it has character. Price: R190 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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