The red wine variety Syrah is found in the northern Rhône Valley. It is the sixth most widely planted grape variety in the world. It is exceptionally versatile, adapting well to a wide range of regions and expressing a true sense of terroir. The block used for Circumstance Syrah is planted on the south-facing slopes of Schapenberg, at an altitude of 240 to 260 meters above sea level and just 4 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. Strong southeasterly winds help control growth and crop yield. The Waterkloof Syrah vines thrive in granite soils, as in most appellations in the northern Rhône.
The grapes are harvested by hand and refrigerated overnight. The following morning, the grapes are processed. Instead of being destemmed, the grapes are hand-sorted to ensure only the top-quality fruit goes through to fermentation. The wine remains on the skins for 30 days, then is gently pressed using a basket press and finally aged for 19 months in older French barrels.
Circumstance Syrah is a beautiful Rhône-style wine with hints of black pepper and other spices on the nose, complemented by floral aromas of plums and fynbos, the South African equivalent of Garrigues. The palate is dry, with plums and sour cherries. The mouthfeel is velvety smooth, initially with notes of cocoa, but reveals a stony minerality on the long finish. Elegant with plenty of length, a true vin de garde.
