Prescient Shiraz Report 2020: Top 10

Prescient Shiraz Report 2020: Top 10

By , 11 August 2020

Introduction

This year’s Shiraz Report convened by Winemag.co.za and sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient is now out. There were 70 entries from 56 producers and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.

Top 10

The 10 best wines overall are as follows:

Allée Bleue 2018
Price: R180
Wine of Origin: Franschhoek
Abv: 14%

Casa Simelia Syrah 2018
Price: R240
Wine of Origin: Wellington
Abv: 14.5%

De Grendel Elim 2018
Price: R765/1.5L
Wine of Origin: Elim
Abv: 13.5%

Lammershoek The Innocent Syrah 2018
Price: R94
Wine of Origin: Swartland
Abv: 14.11%

Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2017
Price: R375
Wine of Origin: Swartland
Abv: 13.71%

Painted Wolf Walker Bay Syrah 2018
Price: R180
Wine of Origin: Walker Bay
Abv: 13.9%

Saxenburg Private Collection Syrah 2017
Price: R250
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.5%

Stark-Condé Stellenbosch Syrah 2017
Price: R205
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.5%

Tokara Reserve Collection Syrah 2017
Price: R330
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.65%

Vrede en Lust Lady J Syrah 2017
Price: R150
Wine of Origin: Western Cape
Abv: 14%

Vrede en Lust, Simonsberg-Paarl.

About the variety

When it comes to Shiraz, two broad styles can be discerned, the first the overtly aromatic, medium-bodied but densely structured wines typical of France’s Rhône, and the second being the darkly coloured, full-fruited wines most famously associated with South Australia’s Barossa Valley.

Shiraz is an important variety in South Africa, occupying 10% of the national vineyard at the end of 2019 (second only to Cabernet Sauvignon among reds) and it is to the country’s credit that it seems capable of making accomplished examples across the stylistic spectrum.

What does top Shiraz go for?

Average cellar-door price of the Top 10 is R238.65 per 750ml bottle, Lammershoek The Innocent Syrah 2018 being the most affordable at R94 a bottle.

In-depth analysis

To read the report in full, including key findings, tasting notes for the top wines, buyers guide and scores on the 100-point quality scale for all wines entered, download the following: Prescient Shiraz Report 2020