Saxenburg Private Collection Shiraz 2021

Saxenburg makes this Private Collection Shiraz in Stellenbosch, in the Coastal Region near False Bay, where the gulf between the mountains funnels cooling air off the sea. The estate is one of the oldest in the area. The Syrah grows on well drained, granite-based slopes that limit vigour and concentrate the fruit, while the maritime breezes slow ripening enough to keep the wine fresh and peppery rather than jammy. Warm days build the ripe fruit and the cooler nights preserve the acidity and the spice that is typical of cool-grown Syrah. Ageing runs for twelve months in French oak barrels, where the wood adds smoke and spice and the slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins. At 14 percent the wine is full but balanced. It shows a deep red. The nose leads with ripe plum and black cherry over black pepper, smoke and a savoury, meaty edge. The palate is full and spicy, with ripe tannin, good acidity and a long finish carrying liquorice and dark chocolate. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant ahead. It suits grilled and roast meats.