Description
The Reyneke estate now includes a total of 37 ha (91 acres) with vines growing on 30 ha of them and animals such as cows, ducks, chickens and guinea fowl on the rest. Since 2004, when biodynamic techniques were established in the vineyard, the pH of the soils has gone from 5.5 to 6 or 6.5, so the pH of the wine has gone down and the total acidity has gone up.
All the Syrah grapes are handpicked and hand sorted; 30% whole bunch is foot crushed into concrete Nomblot tanks, after which the other 70% is destemmed over the whole bunches. Spontaneous, natural fermentation occurs with minimal punch downs and pump over’s. Natural secondary fermentation occurs in 3rd fill and older, French casks and in 2500 ℓ Foudres. The wine ages for 14 months in oak and another 3 months in stainless steel, to harmonise after final blending.
Tasting Notes
The 2019 Syrah Biodynamic is drop-dead gorgeous on the nose, offering blackberry, blueberry, crushed violet and light star anise aromas that blossom with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with velvety tannins and great depth and intensity, equaled by a finesse that leaves you wanting more on the finish. A sublime Syrah from Johan Reyneke.[95/100 -Neal Martin – July 2021 – vinous.com] .
