“The Swartland is a region for extreme winemaking – it is harsh and unforgiving but ultimately rewarding.”
Charles Back
Spice Route Flagship Syrah 2006
Posted in: Previous Vintages
Flagship Syrah is a barrel selection from a specific unirrigated vineyard block at our Swartland vineyards. The grapes are table sorted prior to fermentation and the wines are matured in tight grained new French oak barrels.
IN THE VINEYARD:
The grapes for our Flagship Syrah are harvested from cordon pruned vines at Rheeboksfontein in Malmesbury. The vineyard is on a South facing slope, at an altitude of about 150m above sea level. Cool breezes result in cold night time temperatures. The vines are planted on deep red ferric Oakleaf soils. These are suitable for dry land viticulture as they hold moisture well, due to their clay content. In 2006 this premium Syrah vineyard yielded just 5 tons per hectare.
HARVEST DATE:
Early February 2006
WINEMAKING:
The fruit was hand-picked at 26 degrees balling, and hand sorted over sorting tables. Extended skin contact was allowed and the juice was fermented in open topped oak fermenters, with hand punching daily. The wine was basket pressed and transferred to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and maturation. The wine spent 20 months in 225l French oak barriques, with 50% new wood being used.
WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS:
This vineyard continues to produce fantastic fruit year to year. The 2006 vintage retains the style that this wine has developed and I feel that it will drink well until at least 2011.
~ Charl du PlessisWine of Origin Swartland
TASTING NOTE:
Deep, inky colour. Gentle fruit, with savoury bacon, clove and aniseed aromas coming to the fore. There is a hint of smokiness along with some caramel and dark chocolate. The palate is medium to full and is well-structured. Ripe fruit flavours complement the spiciness on the palate, and are balanced by firm but approachable tannins. Lovely finish, with a hint of sweet fruit.
RECOGNITION: PREVIOUS VINTAGES:
2005: Great Gold Medal – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2008
2005: Gold Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards 2008
2005: 90 points – Wine Spectator
2004: 92 points – Wine Spectator
2004: Gold Medal – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2007
2003: 90 points – Wine Spectator
RECOGNITION: PREVIOUS VINTAGES:
2005: Great Gold Medal – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2008
2005: Gold Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards 2008
2005: 90 points – Wine Spectator
2004: 92 points – Wine Spectator
2004: Gold Medal – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2007
2003: 90 points – Wine Spectator
Wine Analysis
Alcohol 15% | Residual Sugar 2.7 g/l | Total Acid 7.1 g/l | pH 3.32