Jordan The Prospector Syrah 2022

Jordan farms in Stellenbosch, part of South Africa's Coastal Region, and The Prospector is a single-variety Syrah. Stellenbosch is a warm maritime district, its granite and decomposed granite soils and Atlantic-cooled nights giving Syrah both ripe fruit and a peppery, savoury edge. The warm climate builds dark, concentrated fruit and a full 14% alcohol, while the cool nights preserve freshness. The wine is aged for 16 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels: French oak lends fine tannin and spice, American oak a rounder sweetness of vanilla and coconut, and the slow oxygen exchange through the wood softens the tannin over time. The colour is deep, dark red. The nose is ripe dark plum and blackberry, black pepper, a smoky note and warm oak. The palate is full and rich, fruit driven, with firm but ripe tannin, dark chocolate and spice, and a long, savoury finish. Serve it at 16 to 18C, decanted if young, in a large glass. It is a natural match for grilled and roasted red meats and game.