Tanagra Syrah 2021
A spicy and elegant Syrah from old vines
![]() |
The McGregor valley is ‘Shiraz country’ – it provides ideal conditions for producing spicy Shiraz/Syrah. This Tanagra Syrah is not as ‘heavy’ as the typical Shiraz of this area, but more resembles an Old-World, French, Syrah, being somewhat leaner and elegant in style. It is perfect to enjoy now or within the next 5 – 6 years. |
|
Vintage | 2021 | |
Vineyard | South-facing, slightly sloped vineyard at Tanagra (McGregor) on rocky Karoo soil and surrounded by Karoo fynbos and veld | |
Vines | 1.5 ha planted in 1998/9, Rootstock Richter 99. 5000 number of vines trellised in a North – South row direction on a 5 wire system | |
Yield | 5 tons/ha | |
Vinification |
The grapes were handpicked early in the morning and then cooled down to 14 degree C overnight. Wild-yeast fermented in fermentation tanks, with manual punching various times a day and then very gentle pressing. Malolactic fermentation in 500 and 225 litre older French oak barrels for 10 months. Only very light filtering, sediment may occur. |
|
analysis | 13.5 % Alc., PH 3.69, RS 2.2 g/l, TA 5.1 | |
Tasting notes | Medium-bodied and elegant. Very aromatic – spicy, white pepper, sour cherry and violets. Hints of vanilla. Well integrated wood, soft tannins. | |
Ratings |
Tim Atkin 91 Points; Platters 4 Stars |
|
Cases produced | 600 cases (x 6 bottles) | |