2003 Cirrus Syrah joint venture between the Engelbrecht and Els families of South Africa and the Duncan Family of California (Silver Oak)

Tasting Notes

5/25/06
This is the much awaited, initial release of this wine, a blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier, a joint venture between Ray Duncan (proprietor of Silver Oak), Jean Engelbrecht of Rust En Vrede and Ernie Els, who became a partner in 2004. Only around 1200 six packs were produced, of which around half made it into the US and only 80 six packs found their way into California. It has sold out immediately and therefore there is no more to get our hands on. Fortunately having tried the wine several weeks back on a trip to South Africa we were able to make sure we got fair representation and were able to secure a decent percentage of what came into our market. Suffice it to say that this is destined to become an ICON wine due to its high quality pedigree, limited availability and the very names behind it. The nose offers up complex notes of clove and white pepper with a faint floral lift, then higher pitched fruit notes reminding of dark red currants and dark plum. The palate reflects the nose with flavors of dark raspberry and currant backed up with a mineral vein running through the fruit Not about power in terms of weight, juicy fruit or supple texture in the palate, this plays on a medium-full bodied frame with notable fruit concentration and firmer, fine grained tannins that suggests a few more years of bottle age will polish this up nicely as well as fleshing it out. Right now it exhibits excellent, vibrant fruit purity, brightening acidity and good tannin structure, possessing all the components to really make this a very special wine over the next 6-8 years.

Food Accompaniments

Lamb chops, brasied leg of lamb, grilled New York steak

Awards, Reviews and other Notes

90 pts Wine Spectator 8/31/06
Big, modern style, with lots of dark cocoa and mocha toast woven with ripe, layered plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit. Rich, showy finish with spice and bacon notes. For fans of the in-your-face style. Drink now through 2008. 510 cases imported.

6 Bottle price

Price

SKU

Varietal

$52.19

$57.99

5934

Shiraz