As the slow season starts, inviting us to slacken our pace a little, we are delighted to introduce the recently released 2019 vintage of La Motte Syrah – a wine that, right on theme, loves to linger.
Slow out of the blocks during the picking season, the grapes for the 2019 La Motte Syrah originate exclusively from vineyards on the Franschhoek estate. Between 10 and 30 years old, the vineyards grow in a variety of soil profiles from sandstone and granite origin – heavier textured against the mountain slopes and sandier, well-drained soils in the valley. Different clones and microclimates with altitudes between 200 and 300 metre above sea level all contribute to the wine’s complexity. The reason it had such a slow start (as well as promising analyses with high acidity and low pH levels) was because of a relative cool beginning to summer. The 2019 Syrah harvest on La Motte was not only late, but also the smallest since 2005.
Picking up to a more regular tempo in the cellar, grapes were cooled overnight before being destemmed. The whole berries went into stainless steel tanks for fermentation between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius. Pump overs twice a day ensured proper aeration while most tanks were pressed before fermentation was completed to ensure elegance and soft extraction.
Matured in French oak barrels of which 30% were new, the regular 14-month maturation period for La Motte’s acclaimed Syrah was extended due to Covid, and the wine was allowed to linger in oak for a complete 24 months. Covid also affected stock levels and only the best batches of the leisurely 2019 vintage made their way into the final blend. With the finest selection, unhurried maturation, and the addition of 14% Durif, the 2019 La Motte Syrah has exceptional depth and complexity. The wine was bottled in November 2021 and only 2300 cases (6 x 750), and 140 magnums were released as 2019 La Motte Syrah.
In what is a beautiful balance of oak and fruit, blackberry flavours rendezvous with the subtle seduction of cigar and coffee and exciting spice notes of prominent nutmeg and aniseed. Despite the complexity of the nose, the palate is quite restrained with the elegance and finessed finish this Syrah is renowned for. Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche expects exceptional maturation of the 2019 vintage and suggests that it will continue to develop beautifully for the next 15 years.
He also believes the wine’s full-bodied character will harmonise beautifully with rich, flavourful dishes. An acclaimed, chargrill-loving partner to meat and vegetables, the fruitiness of the Syrah enjoys matching the sweetness of stewed fruit and marinades and enjoy an interesting play with aromatic spice components. Do try the 2019 La Motte Syrah with venison and pepper-crusted steaks, especially if you love fruit-and-spice condiments or chutneys.
Treat yourself to a glass or two of 2019 La Motte Syrah when you prepare our Peppery Meatballs with Tomato, Red Pepper and Red Wine Sauce.
