Stellenbosch Reserve Syrah 2023

Stellenbosch Reserve is the personal wine project of Jean Engelbrecht Wines, created to honour the history, landscape and winemaking identity of Stellenbosch. Jean Engelbrecht, proprietor of Rust en Vrede, launched the range in 2005 with partners Dillie Malherbe and Jannie Durand to produce wines that reflect the spirit of South Africa's most famous wine town. Each label in the collection is named after a historic Stellenbosch landmark, linking wine, architecture and regional pride. Stellenbosch Reserve Syrah 2023, known as Kruithuis Syrah, pays homage to the old powder house of Stellenbosch. Fruit is sourced from selected vineyard sites across the region, where warm days build ripe flavour and cooling maritime influence from False Bay helps preserve freshness. A portion of the grapes is fermented with stems to enhance peppery spice and lift, before maturation in seasoned 300L and 500L French oak barrels for around 18 months. Colour: Deep ruby with youthful purple edges and a bright, polished rim. Nose: Black cherry, mulberry and blueberry aromas lead, followed by cracked black pepper, nutmeg and subtle oak spice. Palate: Medium to full-bodied with ripe dark berry fruit at the core. Smooth tannins give structure without heaviness, while fresh acidity keeps the palate energetic and focused. Savoury spice and gentle earthy notes add depth through the mid-palate. Finish: Long and refined, with lingering dark fruit, pepper and soft mocha notes.