Winemaker Notes
The nose is complex, showing purple flowers, sour figs, dark chocolate and wet earth. Crushed fruits, including blueberry and black cherry, lead on the palate before black olives, cloves, salted liquorice and cured meats. Powdery tannins, fresh acidity and a density of fruit make this a more serious but no less juicy and smashable vintage.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2022 Whole Bunch is 100% whole bunches (quelle surprise) aged in stainless steel for nine months. It has a crisp nose with blackcurrant, raspberry fruit, and a touch of pressed violet. The medium-bodied palate has brittle tannins and a lovely chalky texture with a hint of licorice emerging towards the finish. The whole bunch works well here - no steaminess. Excellent.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
A relatively cool, maritime climate area, Walker Bay includes three important wards: Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. These sites benefit from the cooling ocean winds and are reputed for the production of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinotage.