The wine is a blend of Syrah (60%), Grenache (30%) and Petit Syrah (10%). 50% of the Syrah originates from Elim and 50% from Franschhoek, the Grenache is from Walker Bay and the Petit Syrah from Franschhoek.

A number of factors resulted in a lower than average yield in most of the areas from which the grapes originate. Although it was reasonably cool during the growing season, some areas experienced drought conditions. Areas that did not have irrigation water available during the late season experienced further losses later. The season will be remembered especially because of the heat waves in late January – during three consecutive days the temperature rose above 40 degrees Celsius in the Boland, followed, a few days later, by two more days of above 40 degrees.

The Shiraz vineyards of Elim are trellised and grow in shale with a layer of “koffieklip” (coffee stone). This, combined with the cool climate, produces wines with intense perfume avours and a minerally palate. The Franschhoek vineyards grow in deep, sandy soil of weathered granite and sandstone and produce elegant wines with a creamy texture. Bot River’s Grenache vineyards grow in more shallow, denser shale and produce wines with a high tannin content and a dark colour. Because the grapes originate from diverse terroirs, the wines have depth and complexity.

The grape varieties in the blend were harvested and sorted separately and the wines were fermented separately and matured in 300-litre oak barrels. After 40 months’ maturation the wines were blended and then bottled during October 2016. Only 3 300 bottles were produced.

The combination of a good vintage and 40 months of wood maturation has produced a wine with exceptional depth, complexity and personality. The intensely distinctive nose shows rose petal perfume with black berry and mulberry fruit, as well as cinnamon and black pepper spice. An elegant wine with a lively presence and lingering after-taste.

Alcohol 13,77% vol
Residual sugar 2,8 g/l
Total acid 6,2 g/l
pH 3,42