IN THE VINEYARDS
The Lighthouse Collection was created to entice
the palate with all the special qualities brought
to you by a cool climate wine but meant to
be more approachable and accessible in
its youth. As an ode to the treacherous
yet extraordinary coast, a lighthouse
was built overlooking the vineyards, Bot
River lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean.
The vineyards selected for this wine was
meant to evoke the inherent dark berry
fruit and spiciness Syrah is known for.
The vines were managed with great care
to aid even ripening and complexity.
Slope: South and west facing
Soil: Shale and iron-rich clay
Clones: SH21, SH22, SH12
CHARACTER
There is nothing shy about this wine and one is met
with an abundant display of violet, marzipan, and
mulberry followed by nuances of leather, cherry
tobacco leaf and pepper as it opens up over time in
the glass. As expressive and aromatic as it is, a twist
awaits on the palate with a sweet and smokey savoury
character and mouth-filling intensity. Well-chiselled
silky tannins conclude with notes of dark chocolate
and blueberry fruit.
PERSONALITY
As an ode to the New-World, the fruit-forward Syrah
aims to please those in search of a wine with great
concentration. With enough restrain, freshness and
bold tannin, this wine will certainly age well, although
you might be tempted to drink it straight away.
IN THE CELLAR
The grapes were cooled overnight followed by bunchand berry sorting the next morning. After three days
of cold maceration, the juice was allowed to warm up
to 16°C. To enhance the intrinsic qualities of Syrah,
the must was inoculated with selected yeast strains
to accentuate spicy and fruity aromas. Alcoholic
fermentation lasted about eight days during which
gentle pump overs encouraged delicate flavour
and colour extraction. Pressed off the skins when
fermentation was completed, the wine was settled
in tank and transferred to the barrels for malolactic
fermentation to smooth out its edges.
Oak maturation: 16 months
BEST TO ENJOY
This wine calls for an array of meaty dishes but will
also impress when spicy dishes and roasted root
vegetables are served up
"This Syrah perfectly reflects
the Benguela Cove terroir in a glass.
A gentle approach in the cellar
helped to encapsulate our unique
location at the southern tip of Africa."
Cellar Master, Johann Fourie