Solace Syrah 2020

What a triumph Solace Syrah is proving to be. Grapes are from north-facing and hence relatively warm vineyards on an Elgin property called Brocha as farmed by Rozy Gunn of Iona, winemaking handled by the astute Werner Muller. Maiden vintage was 2014 and the wine just seems to go from strength to strength – the 2019 was awarded Gold (96/100) in the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show 2021 (I chaired the category panel) and now the 2020 is due for release.

Winemaking involving 11% whole-bunch fermentation, maturation lasted 16 months in 500-litre barrels of which 9% were new. The nose shows some gunsmoke-like reduction before red berries, rose, fresh herbs, fynbos and white pepper while the palate is vivid and vivacious – excellent fruit purity to go with a lovely line of acidity and fine, lightly grippy tannins. Price: R310 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.