15 in stock
81,33 €
15 in stock
Tim Atkin
Tim Atkin is a UK-based Master of Wine (MW) and wine journalist with an international following.
+SIJNN RED 2017
Syrah 67% | Mourvedre 14% | Touriga Nacional 11% | Trincadeira 8%
VINEYARD
The complex stony soils, together with a warm, dry climate (300mm in 2016) moderated by constant sea breezes provides an ideal terroir to produce a great wine. A mix of top quality varieties from various origins of warmer climate were chosen to best reflect this remarkable site. All vines are grown as bush vines and sustainably farmed. No pesticides were used. 11 and 12 year old vines. All vines planted on a mix of drought resistant rootstocks – Rug.140; R99; R110; Paulsen – and a mix of clones for complexity and diversity. Yield: 3 tons/ha (20 hℓ/ha)
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
An excellent growing season with no problems. We had ideal weather at the beginning of the ripening season with occasional rain here and there. The moderate weather with cool nights continued throughout the harvest period producing wines with excellent acidity. End of February we had 53mm of rain, luckily no signs of rot or any damage. An average to small size crop of great quality. Vines irrigated in winter, just before the growing season and again at veraison to assist the critical ripening process, otherwise the vines are left to look after themselves.
PRODUCTION
Handpicked and carefully sorted in small crates in the cool mornings. Destemmed and gently crushed into small open top tanks and oak vats with a small portion whole bunch. Natural yeast fermentation @ max. temp. 29°C. Time on the skins about 9 days, with the cap of skins punched down (pigeage) 2 to 3 times a day. Single pressing in a traditional basket press and malolactic fermentation in barrels. Mostly 225ℓ French oak barrels in the first year and mostly 700ℓ in the second year of maturation. 20% new for 22 months. (We feel this better respects the complexity of the fruit, while softening the wine sufficiently). The wine was bottled by hand, unfined and unfiltered.
Bottling date: 14/12/2018
Production: 549 x 12 x 750ml , 200 x 1,5L , 11 x 3L
TASTING NOTES
A vibrant deeper red colour. On the nose it is savoury and wild, with red berries, lavender, thyme and rosemary. It is inky and wild but has a beautiful freshness, and concentration on the mid palate. It has a meaty character, entwined with rich dark spice and chocolate. It is elegantly powerful with a youthful freshness, yet a deep concentration, and a structured firm tannin profile, making sure this wine will last for many years. A beautiful lingering flavour remains on your palate, long after taking a sip. Best drinking 2023-2030
This wine will pair well with a richer red meat dish, red wine risotto or any matured cheese.
ACCOLADES
Platter 5 stars, Platter Syrah based Red blend of the year 2020, Tim Atkin 96 points
“The overall impression is of a South African red that is unusually lively, complex, confident and creditable…. I have a nasty feeling this wine is likely to become more expensive as it establishes the reputation of this exciting new region.”
Jancis Robinson, British Wine Critic
“If you were looking for evidence of how recently Syrah has risen to prominence in South Africa, you could do worse than visit Sijnn in Malgas and Porseleinberg in the Swartland – remarkable vineyards at opposite ends of the winelands. These very different sites are producing two of the finest examples of the grape in the country and yet their first vintages were in 2007 and 2010, respectively”.
Tim Atkin, Wine Writer & Judge
“I think it’s important for anyone who appreciates the efforts that go into making wine to try and track down a few bottles of Sijnn. There are few projects that epitomize such a soulful, pioneering approach to winemaking.”
James Molesworth, Wine Critic
– Wine Spectator
ANALYSIS
Alc 13,18 % | SG 1,7 ℓ | TA 5.6/ℓ | pH 3.62 | VA 0.70/ℓ | SO₂ 9 Free mg/ℓ & 47 Total mg/ℓ