92 pts Wine Advocate August 2011
Sourced from six vineyards to represent the different terroirs of Swartland, the 2009 Syrah was 20% whole cluster fruit and it was raised in 10% new oak for 12 months. The nose is taciturn at first but a few swirls of the glass soon wakes it up with enticing scents of dark berried fruit, a dash of white pepper and kalamata olive that opens nicely with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with plump blackberry, boysenberry and a touch of black plum with very fine acidity. This leads to a caressing, fleshy finish that belies the structure underneath. Classic in style, reserved but ambitious, the 2009 Syrah should repay several years aging. Drink 2013-2018.
