2019 Olifantsberg Syrah, Breedekloof, Western Cape, South Africa

ABOUT THIS WINE

Crafted from high-elevation vineyard blocks on the Olifantsberg slopes, this 100% Syrah is a focused and site-driven wine. The 2019 vintage showcases the varietal’s more restrained, savory character, with aromas of dried lavender, redcurrant, smoked meat, and black peppercorn. The palate is layered and textural, combining ripe dark fruit with notes of graphite, olive, and subtle earth, underpinned by a cool-climate freshness and mineral backbone.

Grapes were hand-harvested, with 50% whole-bunch inclusion during fermentation to enhance aromatic lift and structural grip. Native yeasts initiated fermentation in small open-top fermenters, followed by gentle extraction and aging in a combination of old 500L French oak barrels and concrete eggs for 12 months. No fining, minimal filtration, and minimal sulfur use reflect a low-intervention approach designed to preserve the vineyard’s natural expression.

The Breedekloof’s elevated sites and diurnal shifts play a critical role in retaining acidity and elegance, especially for Syrah. This wine pairs seamlessly with rosemary-crusted lamb, duck breast, or lentil stew with smoked paprika.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Olifantsberg Family Vineyards is a rising star in South Africa’s new wave, situated in the Breedekloof Valley on the rugged slopes of the Olifantsberg mountains. Led by visionary winemaker Elizma Visser, the estate is known for its focus on Rhône varieties, cool-climate expression, and restrained, terroir-driven wines.

The vineyards are sustainably farmed, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity, dry-farming practices, and soil preservation. Soils of sandstone, granite, and shale create complex conditions that lend texture and freshness to the wines. Olifantsberg’s minimalist cellar practices, combined with meticulous vineyard work, result in wines that are detailed, structured, and soulful—offering a distinctive voice from an often-overlooked region of the Western Cape.