2014, 2015, 2017 Stellenbosch Syrah Trio Tasting Lot

“This is well-rendered, with a core of bramble-edged boysenberry, blackberry and raspberry fruit laced with mouthwatering savory and anise notes. Shows judicious toast through the finish, as roasted apple wood details dance through, letting the fruit win out in the end. *Smart Buys* (JM)” (08/2017)

“Named after the buzzards that fly over the vineyard, situated in a kloof (ravine) on decomposed granite soils. It is a shady spot, lending this Syrah a certain old world character. The rich palate is meaty and peppery, with berry fruit, dark chocolate cassis and cedar vying for attention. There is some alcohol warmth on the long, structured finish. (JB)” (09/2017)

“The 2015 Buzzard Kloof Syrah comes from south-facing slopes that receive less sunshine than the estate's other vineyards (the site was originally selected by Steve Smith MW from Craggy Range in New Zealand). It has an intense but not opulent bouquet, the coolness of the site fighting against the warmth of the growing season to find a happy equilibrium. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy ripe tannin, luscious blackberry and bilberry fruit, sea salt and black pepper, leading to a long and sensual finish, licorice on the aftertaste. There is a lot going on in this Syrah and it will benefit from several years in bottle. (NM)” (04/2017)

“The 2017 Syrah Reserve Collection has an elegant, well-defined bouquet of black cherries, blueberry, potpourri and light incense aromas that blossom with aeration. The spicy palate is medium-bodied with supple, lithe tannins matched by very well-judged acidity, and a liberal sprinkling of white pepper. This fans out nicely toward the finish. I would have like more floral aspects to come through on the aftertaste, although it does possess fine persistence. (NM)” (07/2021)