Local Event

Syrah Tasting

Cost: Members $115, Guests $130

Discover the Bold Elegance of South African Syrah

 Join us for an extraordinary tasting journey through South Africa's most celebrated wine regions. This carefully curated selection showcases the remarkable transformation of South African Syrah—where ancient soils meet modern winemaking artistry to create wines of exceptional character and finesse.

 South Africa's winemakers are redefining what Syrah can be, moving away from sheer power toward wines that captivate with their elegance, vibrance, and extraordinary balance. From the granite slopes of Stellenbosch to the weathered schist of Swartland, each glass tells the story of its unique terroir—a harmonious blend of sea breezes, mountain air, and mineral-rich earth.

 The tasting features selections from acclaimed producers who are earning South Africa its place among the world's elite Syrah regions. These wines offer not only remarkable quality at exceptional value, but also the passion and craftsmanship of small-batch, artisanal winemaking.

 We begin with a reception pour of Cape Point's stellar Sauvignon Blanc, then journey through six distinctive expressions of Syrah and a compelling Swartland blend, each thoughtfully paired with courses designed to elevate both wine and cuisine.

 Prepare your palate for an evening of discovery, as we explore wines that are as complex and captivating as the diverse landscapes from which they come.

 Introduction:

Syrah in South Africa is celebrated for its unique terroir and winemaking techniques. Thecountry's ancient soils and diverse landscapes have created a rich environment for Syrah, resulting in wines that are both bold and complex. Highlights of Syrah in South Africa include some of the following:

 Affordable Quality: Many South African Syrah wines are now available at under $20.00, offering remarkable value for the quality and complexity they deliver.

 Regional Diversity: South Africa's wine regions, such as Stellenbosch, Swartland, and Paarl, each produce Syrah wines with distinct characteristics influenced by their unique climates and soils.

 Modern Syrah: The winemakers in South Africa are increasingly focusing on finesse rather than power, producing wines that are elegant, vibrant, and impressively balanced.

 Global Recognition: South African Syrah wines are gaining international recognition, with some ranked among the top five globally.

 For those interested in exploring South African Syrah, it is recommended to seek small-batch wines from artisanal producers, as they often provide the best quality and stories behind each bottle.

 

The Wines

 

Reception Wine:

 Cape Point Noordhoek Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Cool sea breezes along with ancient mountain soils make for a unique terroir with a late growing season that results in a world class Sauvignon Blanc with mineral tones and great complexity.The wine is layered with a combination of Cape gooseberries, white grapefruit and a hint of fynbos. The rich and textured palate is focused with a steely minerality and fresh and vibrant acidity.

 Tasting Wines:

 

Glenelly Glass Collection Syrah - 2021 Stellenbosch

The Glass Collection Syrah has a wonderful bright and rich colour with deep purple undertones. Aromas of leafiness, spice, and delicate rose petals are supported by the presence of pristine red berry fruit. The medium-bodied and balanced palate showcases fine-grained tannins with a subtle infusion of white pepper and clove, all coming together harmoniously.

 Reyneke Biodynamic Syrah - 2020 Stellenbosch

A perfumed nose with upfront white pepper, lavender, wild rosemary and bursts of red cherry.Subtle hints of coriander and nutmeg. There is a lovely brightness to the palate with a fruit core of sour cherries and mulberries. This is balanced by noted of spice and delicate chalky tannin. The palate is fresh, with an underlying structure and a long finish.

 Mullineux Syrah - 2020 Swartland

The Mullineux Syrah always rewards with its signature Swartland perfume of mulberries, wild-growing, white Watsonia Lilies and black olive tapenade. The very structured palate follows with intricate layers of dark plum, kumquat and vibrant notes of sour cherry and finishes with powerful and velvety tannins.

 Porseleinberg Syrah - 2020 Swartland

Fermented with 100% whole bunches using the submerged cap technique that transformed the wine in 2018, this is another scented, seamless stunner from Callie Louw. Aged in large foudres and 5% concrete eggs, it's a spicy, sappy, hauntingly elegant Syrah from a brutal site, with kelp, rose petal and fynbos aromas, juicy bramble and red berry fruit, fine tannins and a wonderful sense of energy.

 KleinoodTamboerskloof Syrah - 2017 Stellenbosch

Bright medium ruby colour, this handcrafted wine shows upfront aromas of violets and red cherries with cinnamon and pepper spice. Youthful and refreshing with fine-grained tannin on the juicy mid-palate. Elegant with good concentration, pair with peppercorn steak.

 Olifantsberg The Bull -2018 Breedekloof

A blend of Syrah, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre and Carignan. The complexity of this wine lies in the collection of 10 different vineyard sites on the Olifantsberg Mountain. Long, gentle extractions areemployedand the blend is created after each component has matured separately.

Inky purple and brooding in the glass,The Bullunleashes dark plum, blackberry, and cassis aromas, threaded with clove, graphite, and wild herbs. The palate is powerful and muscular, with dense black fruit at its core, framed by savoury spice and firm tannins. Despite its strength, there’s a mountain freshness running through, lifting the wine to a long, structured finish.

Tasting Menu

 

FirstTasting Plate: Smoked duck with arugula, sundried figs, pecans, and picked red onion goat cheese salad

 Second Tasting Plate: Crusted pistachio rack of lamb two bones with sweet potato croquette, balsamic onion jam and wine redjus

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