‘Hinterlands’

Syrah | Walker Bay - South Africa

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About

‘Hinterlands’ is an expression of cool climate Syrah from the Walker Bay region of South Africa, just south of Cape Town via Sir Lowry’s Pass. This wine follows the same philosophy as Mark’s ‘Journey to the Centre of the Universe’ Fumé Blanc in that it is a blend of three exceptional vineyards each planted to different soils and with their own climatic influences. The unique characteristic of these south-facing, cool sites is that ripening is incredibly slow. The last vineyard was harvested on April 7th (pretty late for South Africa). This slow ripening allows for more savory flavor development and a more precise tannin structure.

The grapes were hand-harvested and 15% remained as whole-bunches with the rest being de-stemmed. The fruit was placed into a one ton open-top vat for spontaneous fermentation. After five weeks, the wine was pressed off the skins and was sent back to neutral barrels for 11 months of aging. The wine was then bottled without fining, filtration, or any additives whatsoever.

Stats

Grapes: 100% Syrah
Vineyard: Welgesind (33%) - Stanford Hills (67%)
Vine Age: Average: 20-years-old
Soil Type: Limestone, quartz, and granite
Viticulture: Regenerative
Fermentation: Native — one ton open-top fermenter (15% whole bunch)
Skin Contact: 5 weeks
Aging: 11 months in neutral 225L barrels
Alcohol: 13%
pH: 3.52
Total Acidity: 5.2 g/L
Total SO2: 13 ppm (None added)
Total Production: 150 cases

Tasting Notes

Dark and inky in the glass. Gravel and spice jump out first, chased by juicy red fruit. The tannins are smooth and plush, with that wild fynbos edge giving it lift. Full of energy.

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2023

‘Hinterlands’

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