2023 AVA Syrah
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Tasting notes
Donovan Rall's 2023 Swartland Syrah Ava represents a selection of fruit from two vineyards with schistic soils. Production is limited to 2,000 bottles. This wine has a core of dark fruit and shows the proverbial "Swartland darkness" that you often find in the best wines from this remote region. There is stony mineral and lead pencil; however, you also get dark cherry, blackberry and plum. The alcohol is very contained at 11.8%, although the label says 12%. You can count on this bottle for jovial brightness, fruit buoyancy and elegantly chalky tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
100% whole-bunch fermented and aged in barrel for a year. Dark blackish crimson. Lots of leather in this attempt at a South African Hermitage. Masses of tannin and potential! But put it away for now. (JR)
The 2023 Syrah Ava comes from two sites in Swartland, done with 100% whole bunches and aged in a 3,000-liter foudre . Very floral on the nose, this offers crushed violets, fynbos and touches of cassis and blueberry. The palate is very savory, almost flinty on the entry, with impressive depth. Initially strict and linear, it fans out gloriously on the finish. This is another great wine from winemaker Donovan Rall.
About the producer
Working with fruit from the Swartland, Piekenierskloof, Darling and Stellenbosch, Donovan Rall is one of South Africa’s top winemaking talents. He created his own label in 2008, while working alongside Eben Sadie, and now consults on various projects as well as making his exception Rall wines.