COLOMBO 'I wonder if your are lonesome tonight' Syrah 2023

Picked from two vineyards on opposite sides of the cape. The first in the swartland, giving depth and weight. The second from the more temperate climate of Botriver to usher in more red fruit and vibrance. The intention behind this wine to to walk the fine line between a wine that shows intensity with depth of character and a wine that is light on its feet with energy and focus.

70% of the fruit was from Swartland. It was 100% destemmed and macerated for 2 weeks with very gentle cap submersion. Then, it was pressed briefly into a settling tank and then into barrel to finish the last few moments of fermentation. 30% Botriver fruit filled wholebunch into a tightly fit tank with some light foot stomping to a 10-day inert maceration with no interference. After being gently pressed into a settling tank and then into barrel for the final part of fermentation both batches are racked early after the completion of malolactic fermentation. Aged for a further 9 months in barrel, bottled, and aged for a further year before release.

"Ideas drive some wines, and others just happen. In this case, I was inspired by the Syrahs of the Southern Rhone in France—fresh and light yet savoury and with depth. I wanted to try and make a wine that walked a similar tightrope but in its own unique South African way.

To do so, this wine comes from two cool-climate vineyards on the South Coast of South Africa. The first was picked to represent vibrancy, fruit, and freshness, while the other was picked to rein in the more serious characteristics associated with a syrah, black olive, black pepper, and the like.

The result is a young and approachable wine, but with depth and feeling, walking its finely balanced line between business and pleasure. Like a mullet. Business at the front. Party at the back" - Dan Colombo