"Bright, dark red with ruby tones. Tight aromas of dark berries, herbs and black pepper, complicated by subtle spice and floral high notes. Juicy, saline wine with a lovely combination of red fruits, spices and soil character. Nicely fine-grained, rather elegantly styled wine with smooth tannins and subtle rising length. I prefer the balance here to that of the Syrah/Grenache blend. - Stephen Tanzer"
- Vinous (May 2017), 90 pts
"Using grapes from two Elim growers (Francis Pratt and Johan de Kock), this aromatic, cool climate Syrah is grown on very old schist and granite soils. Raspberry and plum fruit and intense pepper spice flavours are slightly subdued by the oak, but that should fade in bottle. Drink: 2017-20"
- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2016 Special Report, September 2016), 90 pts
"This is currently a bit shy and reserved, begging for a bit more time to better express itself. Notes of black cherry and currant are hit by accents of espresso powder and baking spice, white the palate offers a slightly jammier impression that lingers through the medium-length finish. The tannins are structured and youthful, yet resolve themselves somewhat easily alongside the ripe fruit tones. Give this a couple of years; try after 2020. - LAUREN BUZZEO"
- Wine Enthusiast (April 2018), 90 pts
"Alluring, inviting and beguiling, with layered aromas of peppery, plummy fruit, earthy, savoury spice and heady liquorice. The palate is focused, taut and chiselled, brimming with leafy, cold climate peppery fruit with a savoury edge, beautifully fresh acidity and satin smooth, integrated oak."
- Decanter World Wine Awards 2016, 96 pts - GOLD MEDAL
