100% Syrah. The fact that Syrah and not Shiraz are on the label can be seen as a subtle nod to models from the northern Rhône. A third of the grapes were processed whole with the stems and traditionally trampled. They are then spontaneously fermented together with the remaining destemmed grapes in concrete tanks, whereby the pomace cap is repeatedly broken open by overflowing. The wines then mature for around 20 months in used French oak barrels. Beautiful, complex nose: typical South African smokiness (cedar wood and cold cigar smoke), blackthorn, dark cherries, black pepper and Virginia tobacco. Fine-grained tannins, licorice, pickled plums and anchovy paste: the wine has something very ethereal, almost dancing on the palate. Very fresh despite all the power.