Tim Hillock Paradiso Syrah 2022

Tim Hillock works in the Swartland in South Africa's Coastal Region, a warm, hilly area roughly 50 to 100 kilometres north of Cape Town whose name means black land in Afrikaans. Paradiso is a single Syrah grown under sustainable, vegan farming in this Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers and dark, schist and granite-based soils. The warmth ripens the grapes fully while the old, low-yielding bush vines and poor soils keep yields small and flavours concentrated. Fermentation draws colour and tannin from the skins, and the wine is then aged ten months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange through the wood rounds the tannins and adds a light spice and toast while keeping the fruit in front. The colour is deep, bright red. The nose layers blackberry and black cherry with black pepper, dried herbs and a touch of smoke. The palate is full bodied and ripe, with smooth tannins, fresh acidity and a long peppery finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It works with grilled and roast meats and earthy mushroom dishes.