Amistad Coastal Region Syrah 2008 93+ Points

　
　
Amistad Coastal Region Syrah 2008 93+ Points


Medium clear, ruby red with slight evolution towards the rim, medium plus concentration, high viscosity.

Clean, medium plus to high intensity, ripe dark plums, blackberries, currants, cassis, earthy pebbly / stony minerals, spicy cloves, nutmeg and black pepper, hints of lavender, Provencal herbs complexity such as marjoram, sage and dried rosemary, there is a meaty / beef salami element, delicately oaked.( 30% new French oak, balance 2nd and 3rd fill, with 5% American oak, medium toast, total of 18 months upbringing in barrels)
Intriguing aromatics (the wine was tasted over 6 days) remisnescent of a cross between a Chateauneuf du Pape and Hermitage, excellent purity of fruit, no dead fruit or raisin, considering the very high alcohol of 14.5%, which is noticeable, but smartly integrated.

Dry with medium acidity, intense, full bodied, muscular style, yet at the same time plush and svelte in texture, a precision driven by a graphite mineral core, linear freshness, it is sappy with medium crunchy tannins, juicy fruit concentration, round and creamy, savory black olives complexity, very long length, impressive debut, will develop more complexity in bottle, for now until 2025, but may last up to 2035 if cellared properly.

95% single vineyard Franschhoek Syrah and 5% Wellington Mourvedre, hence the Coastal Region Wine of Origin, fermented in a combination of open ferment and stainless steel, portion wild yeast ferment.

This is testament of new wave South African Syrah, pushing the boundaries, and sitting firmly amongst some of the world’s finest, and if that standard is maintained for the next 5 to 10 years, Amistad Syrah might develop a cult followings for Rhone style enthusiasts and at less than R 200 p/b, the price is a bargain for that quality
Amistad is owned and vinified by Jacques Wentzel and Ossie Sauermann the 2009 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year. http://www.amistadwine.co.za/