Olifantsberg Syrah 2019

Kleur: volrood
Geur: pittig, cederhout, kruidnagel, viooltjes, bosbes
Smaak: verfijnd, balans, rood en zwart fruit, donkere tonen
Houdbaar: op dronk, minimaal houdbaar tot eind 2028
Lekker bij: kruidige gerechten zoals hazenpeper, wildzwijn, gebakken biefstuk en harde oude kazen.

Vineyard
Our Syrah is grown as echalas vines (three sites) as well as trellised vines (two sites) on clay-shale rich soil with a high component of quartz rock. Our Syrah plantings capture all the different aspects of the Olifantsberg mountain, situated at 470 to 300 m above sea-level. The cooler micro-climate of the traditional echalas has a higher acidity and a different aromatic complexity than the trellised vines. By selecting from the different Syrah clones, we have further enhanced our wines natural complexity. Clones 9; 470; 21; 22

Winemaking
The complexity of this wine lies in the collection of 5 different vineyard sites. Small batch fermentations take place in open top fermenters. A portion of whole bunches are included, sometimes up to a 100%. The rest of the berries are not crushed but kept whole. Soft pump overs or punch downs are performed for long gentle extraction. Some batches will go through extended maceration on the skins to enhance the tannin structure of the final wine. All the components are basket pressed and aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel. No racking takes place after Malo, the wine matures on its lees. Each batch is then carefully selected and blended to compliment the final wine and aged for a further 2 months in barrel. Only 500 and 300L barrels are used

Beoordelingen

Tim Atkin: 93/100
A wine that deserves to sell at nearly twice the price, Olifantsberg’s Syrah uses grapes from five different sites on the farm. Showing aromas of meat and Mediterranean herbs, it has deftly handled 30% whole bunches, notes of dill and oregano and plenty of tangy blackberry fruit. 2023-28

Platter’s: Syrah  ****(*) 93/100
Quite ripely powerful & intense at 14% alc, characterful 2019 goes from fragrantly complex aroma to succulently savoury, firmly structured & incisive palate & lingering finish. Still fairly youthful. From an array of clones & sites; different barrel formats 14 months, 8% new.

De Grote Hamersma: 9/10

Perswijn ****(*) zeer goed/uitstekend