Radford Dale, Nudity Syrah, Voor Paardeberg, Paarl, 2013

Radford Dale is the top tier of wines from The Winery of Good Hope, founded in 1998 by Burgundian-trained Englishman Alex Dale. The wines have become increasingly good in recent years, thanks to a more ‘naked’ approach and less reliance on oak. This outstanding Syrah comes from a single, east-facing organic block of granite on the eastern side of the Paardeberg mountain. No additions were made during fermentation, and ageing was conducted in three- and four-year-old oak on gross lees, helping the wine to mature in a reductive environment without sulphur.   Tim Atkin MW<br /> Evidence of whole-bunch fermentation. Smoky and complex with fresh acidity. Good structure, low-alcohol style. Bloody, dense, savoury and long. Impressive minerality with a Cornas-like intensity. Lovely winemaking.   Guy Harcourt-Wood<br /> Bright, vibrant red berry nose. Violets mingle with bright fruit and taut, lifted acidity. Complex wine with a delicious, long finish.   Greg Sherwood MW<br /> Sweet, earthy red strawberry, forest fruits, ripe, pure and exotic. Very natural, pure and expressive. Sweet and savoury meats, dry, chalky, grippy tannins and good length. Works superbly well.