Intellego, Syrah, Swartland, South Africa, 2013

Jurgen Gouws is the assistant winemaker at Lammershoek, the leading exponent of ‘natural’ wines in Swartland, which is where he also produces his own small batches of Chenin Blanc and Syrah. The approach is similar to that of Lammershoek, but not as extreme. Previous vintages of Intellego Syrah contained some Mourvedre, but this is a varietal wine made from old, unirrigated bush vines, mostly on decomposed granite soils. It’s a minimal- intervention red, unfined and unfiltered, although some sulphur dioxide is added at bottling. The fermentation takes place in older French oak, as per the Swartland Revolution norm.   Tim Atkin MW<br /> Pepper spice, complexity and gentle tannins. Crozes-like aromatics, midweight, smoky and nuanced. Cracked pepper and great intensity. Long and refreshing.   Guy Harcourt-Wood<br /> Pure, floral and vibrant redcurrant nose leading to a crunchy, fresh fruit-driven palate. A complex, balanced offering. Graceful.   Greg Sherwood MW<br /> Ripe, stalky, boiled sweets perfume. Mineral layers complement the expertly judged oak. Core of dusty red cherry and red berry fruit that finishes with a nervy, lifted red apple and raspberry coulis concentration that’s mineral and sleek. Love the cool, European alcohol – so unobtrusive. Just love it!