97 points - "Distinctive shiraz-driven flagship with trincadeira (tinta amarela), cab, mourvèdre & touriga in 2018. Forest-floor fruit harmoniously melded with a fine texture & elegant vinosity in an ageworthy blend that’s compelling & profound. Rich, dark & spicy, lifted by thrilling acid, firm tannin. 20% new oak, some Hungarian, 22 months." - Dave Swingler (Platter’s Guide)

95 points - "Made in the heat of the very dry 2018 vintage, this shows how well this remarkable, isolated site can cope with tough conditions. Syrah focused with 45% Tinta Amarela, Trincaderia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre and Touriga Nacional, it marries aromas of lavender and pine aromas, subtle wood, meaty tannins and flavours of bramble, blackberry and cassis." - Tim Atkin MW

93 points - "55% Syrah, 17% Trincadeira, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Mourvèdre and 7% Touriga Nacional. Red and black berries, malt, cured meat, dried herbs and spice on the nose while the palate is full bodied and thick-textured with bright acidity and firm tannins. Definition is arguably slightly lacking but there’s plenty of flavour intensity – not to be trifled with." - Christian Eedes (Wine Magazine South Africa)

Syrah 55 % | Trincadeira 17 % | Cabernet Sauvignon 14% | Mourvedre 7% | Touriga Nacional 7%


VINEYARD

The complex stony soils, together with a warm, dry climate, and a very low rainfall, 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. 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

A very dry and windy growing season with very little rainfall, 258 mm in 2017.We had ideal weather at the beginning of the ripening season and it continued throughout harvest.
The moderate weather with cool nights continued throughout the harvest period producing wines with excellent acidity. A 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 9-12 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: 19/12/2019
Production: 546 x 12 x 750ml, 100 x 1,5L, 12 x 3L


TASTING NOTES

A vibrant deep red colour. Savoury and wild, with red berries, lavender, thyme and rosemary on the nose. It is inky and wild but has a beautiful freshness, and concentration on the mid palate. Charcuterie, 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. Hints of Blueberry cheesecake, a smooth and creamy texture on the palate.
Best drinking 2023-2030
This wine will pair well with a richer red meat dish, red wine risotto or any matured cheese.

Platter 5 Stars (97 points) | Platter Syrah based Red blend of the year 2020 | Tim Atkin 96 points

ANALYSIS

Alc 13,66 % | SG 1,9 ℓ | TA 5.7/ℓ | pH 3.5 | VA 0.65 g/ℓ | SO₂ 9 Free mg/ℓ & 50Total mg/ℓ