Benguela Cove ‘L.C.’ Syrah 2020

Benguela Cove ‘Lighthouse Collection’ Syrah 2020

Winemaking

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 were 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. The grapes were cooled overnight followed by the bunch and 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, it 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 the tank and transferred to the barrels for malolactic fermentation to smooth out its edges.

Tasting Notes

True to the varietal, one is lured closer with delicious dark fruit, a rich perfume and a savoury gloss, with hints of pepper. Juicy ripe tannins add structure with a youthful freshness to perch the bold fruit. The fruit follows through beautifully with a salty finish that lingers on the palate.

Analysis

Alcohol: 14.0 %
Residual Sugar: 2.51 g/l
Total Acidity: 5.86 g/l
pH: 3.65
Wine of Origin: Walker Bay

Personality

As an ode to the New World, the fruit-forward Syrah aims to please those in search of wine with great concentration. With enough restain, freshness, and bold tannin, this wine will certainly age well, although you might be tempted to drink it straight away.