Benguela Cove Estate Syrah
Awards
- Tim Atkin MW South African Report 2022: 91 points
- Veritas Wine Awards 2022: Silver Medal
- Platter's Guide 2023: 4.5 Stars
In the vineyards
Planted on contrasting slopes and soil types set the bar for a layered and complex wine to arise from these Walker Bay Syrah vineyards. Poised on the shores of the Bot River Lagoon with vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, ensures a cool, temperate climate. Cool climate Syrah ripens slowly, allowing for longer hang time and subsequent structure and flavour development.
Slope: North facing vineyards | Soil: Iron laterites, granite and chalk rich soils | Clones: SH21, SH22 & SH12
In the Cellar
The grapes were cooled overnight followed by both bunch- and berry sorting the next morning. After three days of cold maceration, the juice was allowed to warm up to 16 C. To enhance the intrinsic qualities of Syrah, a combination of whole bunches and destemmed berries were used, inoculated with selected yeast strains to accentuate spicy and fruity aromas. Alcoholic fermentation lasted eight days during which gentle pump-overs encouraged delicate flavour and colour extraction. Pressed off the skins when fermentation was completed, the wine was settled in the tank and transferred to the barrels for malolactic fermentation to smooth out its edges.
Maturation: 18 months | Oak: 30% new French oak | Production: 43 barrels | Aging potential: 8 years from vintage