Delaire Graff Shiraz 2020

Delaire Graff sits high in the Helshoogte pass in the Coastal Region above Stellenbosch, South Africa, on the estate owned by jeweller Laurence Graff. The vineyards rise into the mountains on decomposed granite and weathered shale, free-draining soils that keep vine vigour in check and concentrate the fruit. The altitude and cooling breezes off False Bay lower night temperatures, so the Syrah ripens fully while keeping the acidity and peppery aromatics that mark cool-grown examples of the grape. After fermentation the wine ages 12 months in French oak barrels, where measured oxygen exchange through the wood softens the tannin and lends cocoa and a light toast to the fruit. The wine is deep ruby to purple. The nose shows ripe black cherry and plum with cracked black pepper, woodsmoke and dried herbs. The palate is full bodied and velvety, with ripe dark fruit, firm but rounded tannins and a savoury, gently smoky finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant young bottles for an hour. It suits grilled red meat, lamb and hard aged cheese.