THE VAN HUYSSTEEN family's Saronsberg Cellar is renowned for a number of different wines, but Shiraz is the speciality on this farm in the Tulbagh district east of the Swartland, north of Wellington and the Breedekloof. They've been at it for a couple of decades and are consistently Classified among South Africa's Top 10 Shiraz producers – the estate Shiraz and ‘Full Circle' Shiraz blend leading the way, the Provenance Shiraz always one of the best-value wines in its class and, more recently, the Sekelmaan presenting a luxury option.
And what a year 2024 has been! Such glowing reviews of the 2022 Saronsberg Shiraz from top panels locally and internationally. 95/100 at the International Wine Challenge (UK) and winner of the Syrah du Monde (FR). Best in Class at the National Wine Challenge (SA) and a gold medal at the Global Syrah Masters (UK). Then 98/100 and the award for top Shiraz in Platter's SA Wine Guide – one of the three most highly rated wines overall.
SARONSBERG SHIRAZ 2022
WO Tulbagh. Dryland/unirrigated, trellised vineyards planted at Saronsberg in the centre of the valley between 2004 and 2017. Grapes hand-harvested in the early morning, cooled to 4°C, hand-sorted, destemmed, further sorted on vibration tables. Some of the berries gently crushed and some left whole before transfer to a combination of open and closed fermenters. Must dejuiced to a level of 10/12%. 3 to 5 days cold soak under CO² blanket before grapes inoculated with yeast. Fermentation cap punched down four times daily and pumped-over once a day. Malolactic fermentation in 300L French oak barrels (80% new, 20% second-fill). Minimal dose of sulphur and wine left on gross lees (yeast sediment) for 10 months, after which it was blended and returned to barrels for 20 months. Fine sheet-filtration prior to bottling. Total production: ±30 000 bottles.
Alc 14.7 | RS 3.5 | TA 5.1 | pH 3.6
From Winemaker's Tasting Notes: A deep, dark purple colour with succulent ripe fruit flavours. Delicate floral notes and scents of violets and spice. Mouthfeel has depth, with integrated oak flavours. Finely crafted tannins and a layered, fruity finish. Can be cellared for 8 to 10 years after vintage, developing greater complexity, depth of flavour.
R360pb ex-cellar.
