Some say Syrah, some say Shiraz – Top 10 in 2021 Winemag Report

“SOUTH AFRICAN Syrah can no longer be neatly pigeonholed,” says Winemag editor Christian Eedes in the 2021 Prescient Shiraz Report. “Expect everything from delicate,  very fine, to ultra-glossy,  rich wines – and the Shiraz/Syrah distinction is no longer really a clue to what’s inside the bottle.” There were 96 entries from 75 producers located in various areas of the Cape winelands, with the top-rated wines in the competition coming from Zandvliet of Ashton and the Harry Hartman Wine Co of Somerset West – both scored 95 (outstanding) on Winemag's 100-point scale.

Zandvliet is familiar to wine lovers who've traversed the Robertson Valley: an estate renowned for Shiraz since way back when, a brand recently acquired by Van Loveren across the way. However few will have come across Somesay from Harry Hartman, a collaboration that's only been in existance for a couple of years, the winemaking contracted out, the grapes from the Cederberg and Stellenbosch in this instance.

And waddaya know! Although most top Shiraz is selling for over R200, R300, R400 a bottle and a whole lot more, two of Winemag's Top 10 are under R100: the Du Toitskloof of Rawsonville at R75, the unwooded Swartland Shiraz from Leeuwenkuil retailing at R95. On the panel of judges were: Eedes (chair), merchant James Pietersen (Wine Cellar) and wine writer Malu Lambert. For the full report, click here.

WINEMAG FAVOURITES

De Grendel Elim Shiraz 2019
R900pb (1.5 litre) ex-cellar, Panorama

DeMorgenzon Reserve Syrah 2017
R430pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch Kloof

Du Toitskloof Shiraz 2018
R75pb ex-cellar, Rawsonville

Harry Hartman Somesay Syrah 2020
R295pb approximate retail, Somerset West producer

Kruger Family Reserve Shiraz 2017
R250pb from Stellenview, Stellenbosch

Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2018
R400pb approximate retail, Swartland producer

Leeuwenkuil Shiraz 2020
R95pb approximate retail, Swartland producer

Rust en Vrede Single Vineyard Syrah 2017
R1100pb ex-cellar, Helderberg-Stellenbosch

Rust en Vrede Syrah 2019
R320pb ex-cellar, Helderberg-Stellenbosch

Zandvliet Hill of Enon Shiraz 2019
R402 from Van Loveren, Robertson