ANTHONIJ RUPERT SYRAH 2021

Clean, crisp lemon sherbet zest and biscuit nose. The palate follows the same track: vibrant, crisp, clean and tangy with bright freshness. Focused and poised with gentle but beguiling flavours of succulent lemon sherbet and understated trace of orange marmalade before a richer, rewarding, broad creamy toast, biscuit and brioche note from time on lees becomes apparent. Persistent dry tail.

A subtle trace of violets and graphite underpins the bolder aromas of blue and black fruit. Similarly, on the palate a subtle spice element tempers the ripe, rich, rounded and juicy mouthful. A cocoa powder nuance lends the overall palate a Black Forest gateaux vibe because of the black cherry vibrance. Elegant, cohesive and structured with the oak supporting the fruit beautifully. Lovely leashed power and restraint followed by a long tail.

Tendrils of spice add nuance and allure to a nose packed with black berries, hedgerow fruit and some mocha notes. The palate is plush, rounded and pillowy but layered with dark fruitcake flavour, black cherry, baking spice and pencil shavings too. The mouthfeel is complemented by its overall stature and regal refinement. Balanced with seamless integration of oak and ripe, rich fruit with lovely succulence and freshness as well. Complex, supple and silky smooth, the wine is ultimately simply delicious with a superbly long tail.

Gentle notes of nectarine and limestone, with a hint of vanilla biscuit and orange peel. The subtlety continues on the palate. Initially, it is energetic and vivacious, with crisp, bright, and lively lime and orange notes, complemented by vibrant acidity that lends freshness. Then, a broader, rich yet restrained quality develops, revealing a subtle creamy nuttiness tinged with a light vanilla note. Nothing dominates, and the wine displays a harmonious balance of oak, fruit, and acidity, which lingers persistently but not assertively. Overall, it is a wine that whispers seductively rather than shouts.