High Hopes, Syrah, 2021
An 86% Syrah, 10% Grenache Noir and 4% Cinsault blend, High Hopes is a new addition to the range in 2021 and is produced exclusively from Swartland fruit. The Syrah comes from a low-yielding schist-rich site, which he shares with Donovan Rall, bringing a wash of deep fruit and almost Mediterranean vibes to perfumed, iron-rich granitic parcels of Grenache and Cinsault. The Syrah saw 30% whole bunches in the fermentation, the rest were destemmed. Blending took place after ten months – the Syrah in 500L used cask and the Grenache and Cinsault in used barriques, the final wine amounting to just 12.5% alcohol. Tense, smart and wonderfully cohesive, this is certainly an age worthy blend.
critic reviews
The 2021 High Hopes comes from a Syrah vineyard on schist soils (from which Donovan Rall takes some fruit) and Loggerenberg's first blend. Raised in used barrels, it has quite a backward nose that demands some coaxing, dark berry fruit commingles with sage, white pepper and wild fennel. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, perfectly judged acidity, cohesive and focused with gentle grip towards the finish. There is a slight ferrous element that lends complexity right at it end and on the aftertaste. Superb.