Tasting Notes
I've been stocking Reyneke wines since the start of Wines With Attitude. Johan Reyneke, Grower of the Year in Tim Atkin's 2020 South Africa Report used to blend Syrah with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc for this wine but decided that the spice, pepper and perfume of the Syrah or Shiraz were a little lost in the blend. This is 100% organic Syrah with intensity. Confusingly it's from Reyneke's Biodynamic range (there is also an Organic range). It is produced biodynamically from organic grapes.
In summary... this wine is intense in its colour, aromas and flavours. Complex aromas include dark fruits, spices, white pepper, liquorice and the fynbos, the local perfumed vegetation. The palate is similarly complex and full of ripe fruits - red berries, blueberries and blackberries together with white pepper, dark liquorice, herbs and a savoury meatiness despite the wine's relatively young age. The tannins are evident but rounded and the wine full-bodied and velvety in texture. There is a lovely long finish of redcurrants.
This wine can be enjoyed now but will keep for a few years yet. It is worth giving this wine chance to open up by opening the bottle an hour or so before starting to drink, by swirling the wine in your glass and by slurping in air as you taste it.
Why not also try the lovely Reyneke Chenin Blanc?
Food Pairing
Drink with hearty foods such as beef casseroles, venison etc
Producer's Notes
"A perfumed nose with upfront white pepper, spice and red cherry aromatics. Followed by undertones of rosemary and lavender. The palate is fresh and vibrant with juicy tannins and a well balanced structure. Layers of fruit, spice and dry herbs give an elegant and well-refined wine with a lasting finish."
Awards
95 points & a "Must-try red" Decanter Oct 2021
"Super value for this delicious biodynamic field blend of Syrah. Gorgeous aromas of smoky, earthy rooibos tea, lavender and black cherry. The complex, silky palate has fine gravelly tannins and flavours of rose, leather, blood and aniseed, with a lingering seaweed freshness. Fermented in concrete, then aged 14 months in oak, three months in steel and a final eight in bottle."
92 points Tim Atkin MW's 2020 South Africa Report
Reyneke is a five star winery in Platter's Wine Guide
Johan Reyneke is Grower of the Year in Tim Atkin MW's 2020 South Africa Report
