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Sijnn

2018

Red

Red Blend   |   Malgas - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

This Platter’s Guide 5-star red blend positions Sijnn as a pioneer of South Africa’s “final frontier,” making world class wines in an extremely isolated, intense climate at the edge of the Cape South Coast. This Syrah-dominant blend is a perfect example of South Africa’s suitability for resilient Mediterranean cultivars. Grown at the Sijnn estate in Malgas, these bushvines see very little water (about 14 inches per year), hot summer temperatures, and ferocious winds off the Indian Ocean. (Trincadeira and Touriga Nacional are no strangers to these conditions.) The estate is located just 10 miles as the crow flies from the ocean, down a long and winding 25-mile dirt road. The vineyards sit atop iron-rich red riverstone galets over blue shale, and some of the Syrah is planted on slate. The 2018 growing season was very dry and windy with very little rainfall, yet despite the rough growing conditions, these vines cope in extraordinary ways.

The grapes were handpicked and carefully sorted in the vineyards. All cultivars were destemmed and gently crushed into small open top fermentors (Syrah and Trincadeira retained about 10% whole bunches). Fermentation occurred spontaneously, with 2-3 days of pigeage or pump overs. After 10-12 days on the skins, all lots were transferred to a traditional basket press for a single pressing each, followed by racking to mostly 225L barrels. Malolactic fermentation was completed in these barrels, and after one year, the wines were blended to tank and re-racked into 700L barrels for another 9-12 months. Bottled with just a small addition of sulfur. No fining or filtering.

Stats

  • Grapes: 55% Syrah - 17% Trincadeira - 14% Cabernet Sauvignon - 7% Mourvedre - 7% Touriga Nacional
  • Vineyard: Sijnn Estate
  • Vine Age: Average: 20-years-old
  • Soil Type: Red, round galets over shale with some Syrah on slate
  • Viticulture: Practicing organic
  • Fermentation: Native — mix of stainless-steel & concrete (10% whole bunches for Syrah & Trincadeira)
  • Skin Contact: 10-12 days
  • Aging: 12 months in separate 225L barrels followed by blending and another 9-12 months in 700L barrels
  • Alcohol: 13.6%
  • pH: 3.5
  • Total Acidity: 5.7 g/L
  • Total SO2: 50 ppm
  • Total Production: 546 cases
  • UPC: 676814001931

Tasting Notes

Aromas of blackberry, black plum, dried lavender, and cedar. The palate reveals a rush of black fruits, followed by earthier notes of game, black pepper, and forest floor. There is a deft integration of tannins here, which are curvaceous and ripe, but in equal proportion to the wine’s frame. Smoked meat is perceived subtly on the very long finish.

Press & Reviews

Platter's Guide

97

"Distinctive shiraz-driven flagship with trincadeira (tinta amarela), cab, mourvèdre & touriga in 2018. Forest-floor fruit harmoniously melded with a fine texture & elegant vinosity in an ageworthy blend that’s compelling & profound. Rich, dark & spicy, lifted by thrilling acid, firm tannin. 20% new oak, some Hungarian, 22 months."

- Dave Swingler

Wine Enthusiast

90

"This Syrah-based blend includes four other red varieties in its composition, adding to its moderate complexity. Subtle notes of strawberry, cherry and tobacco mingle timidly in the palate. It has grip and medium acidity, driving the flavors through an enjoyable medium finish."

- Jesica Vargas

Tim Atkin, MW

95

"Made in the heat of the very dry 2018 vintage, this shows how well this remarkable, isolated site can cope with tough conditions. Syrah focused with 45% Tinta Amarela, Trincaderia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre and Touriga Nacional, it marries aromas of lavender and pine aromas, subtle wood, meaty tannins and flavours of bramble, blackberry and cassis. 2022-28"

- Tim Atkin, MW

Producer


Sijnn

Region


Malgas

Country


South Africa

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