Excelsior Syrah 2011

Easy drinking and versatile at the table, with an engaging combination of jammy fruit and a smoky, earthy backbone.

Estate: The De Wet family have been cultivating the land at Excelsior Estate in South Africa since 1859. Throughout the years many different products have been farmed, but wine has consistently been produced. Today the family has 220 hectares of vineyards and a goal of producing “full-bodied wines that display intense fruit”.

Philosophy: A “good wine starts in the vineyards”, therefore they employ strict methods such as hand harvesting and extremely spare use of chemicals.

Winemaking: The 2011 vintage experienced extreme weather conditions including heat, cold, and both rain and drought, which resulted in more concentrated flavours.

Tasting Notes: Inky purple-red in color with aromas of black cherry, grape jam and crushed white peppercorn. Tasting very similar to its aromas, with plum, black currant and grape notes supported by a smoky, earthy funk and hints of leather. Smooth tannins, white peppercorn and hints of dark chocolate comprised the moderate finish.

90% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot
Robertson
South Africa
Produced & Bottled by Excelsior
14% Alcohol
$7
Rated 85 points by Wine Enthusiast