Syrah, Sheltering Sky, Cape Winemakers Guild, 2020
An iron-rich single vineyard in Elgin, unusual in an area dominated by shale, Lismore’s Sheltering Sky is a highly distinctive and complex Syrah, certainly one of the finest (and most sought after) South Africa has to offer. Dark berries, red plums, blood orange, violets and salt lead in to a fresh herb and pepper-laced palate, with a cool, firm tannic backbone, crisp acidity and long, focused finish. Fermented with 100% whole bunches and aged in 25% new 500L barrels for a year. Just 44 cases were submitted to the auction.
critic reviews
Magenta at its rim, the 2020 The Sheltering Sky Syrah is epic on the nose with a floral and spicy peppercorn essence and notions of savory charcuterie, spiced plum and cassis. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is delicate yet elegant with hints of smoke-cured meats, cherry compote and floral essence of lavender and violet before silky tannins grip the gumline. The complex wine summersaults to an unwinding finish that reveals a delightful, gorgeous, age-worthy and food-friendly Syrah. Just try to keep your hands off of it. I dare you; it's devastatingly beautiful and should fetch a pretty penny at auction.