Planted in 2005 on the steep mid-slopes of the Helderberg Mountain range, the Steepside Syrah vineyard sits at an elevation of 300m. Vines grow in red clay loam soils with high levels of iron and quartzite originating from the peaks above. The combination of these deep granitic soils and the intensity of the sunshine on the North facing ridge allows the vineyard to produce wines with power and structure, while the spicy herbal aromatics can be attributed to the elevation and the pristine fynbos flora that surround it.
All grapes used in producing this wine come from our Steepside 2 Syrah block (1.3Ha). Small parcels of grapes are specifically selected according to ripeness, harvested by hand and vinified separately. Fermentation is carried out by yeast which occurs naturally on the grape skins and in the winery. Red wines spend three to four weeks fermenting and macerating on the skins in small open top tanks with one or two gentle ‘punch-downs’ performed per day. This wine spent 20 months maturing in seasoned 225L and 500L French oak barrels before being bottled by hand and only 2822 bottles and 50 magnums were produced.
TASTING NOTE
Deep, royal red in colour the Steepside Syrah has a brooding dusty red fruit character on the nose with hints of white pepper, cloves, and fynbos. The palate is soft and full with a gentle chalky tannin structure. Ripe spicey fruit flavours are complimented by notes of herbs and pepper. The delicate flavours and tannin linger into a succulent dry finish. Drink 2020-2028
VINTAGE REPORT
Despite prevailing drought conditions, 2018 was a very good growing season on Keermont. We had a fairly cold winter although it was drier than usual. Spring arrived quite early and the warm weather ensured an even budburst. We had some good rain showers during the season which allowed for the vines to grow sufficiently. These factors led to the formation of a healthy crop which ripened evenly. We had very notable diurnal temperature variation during this season (warm days and cool nights) which is responsible for good tannin, colour, and flavour development. Harvest started at the beginning of February and ran very smoothly. We processed 87 tons (13 varieties) in the Keermont winery over the period of seven weeks.
ANALYSIS
Alc: 14.5 %
pH: 3.79
TA: 5.0 g/L
RS: 1.0 g/L
TSO2: 44 mg/L
VA: 0.70 g/L
ACCOLADES
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 19: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 19: 95 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 18: 88th place: JAMES SUCKLING TOP 100 SA WINES
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 18: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 18: 96 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 18: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS)
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 18: 92 pts WINE SPECTATOR
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 17: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 17: 96 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 17: 92 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS)
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 17: 92 pts WINE SPECTATOR
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 16: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 16: 94 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS)
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 16: 96 pts DECANTER
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 16: 92 pts WINE MAGAZINE
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 16: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 15: 95 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 15: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 15: 92 pts NEAL MARTIN
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 14: 94 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate)
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 14: 96 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 14: 4½ stars PLATTER GUIDE
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 12: 96 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 12: TIM ATKIN (MW) – Super Syrah: 70 top New World buys for Rhone Lovers, Decanter Magazine, Sep 2015
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 12: 92 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate)
STEEPSIDE SYRAH 12: 4½ stars PLATTER GUIDE
