2018 AVA Syrah
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Ava Syrah is whole-bunch-fermented and matured in used 225- and 500-liter French oak. It has a very pure and seductive bouquet, a mélange of blueberry, cassis and raspberry coulis , all beautifully controlled. The medium-bodied palate reveals a slightly honeyed texture. There is impressive intensity here, with hints of dark chocolate and black plum fruit, and suggestions of sea salt and licorice toward the persistent finish. It errs on the side of hedonism but maintains outstanding focus all the way through. Brilliant.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
With a limited 1,000 bottle production, the 2018 AVA Syrah was 100% whole bunch naturally fermented and embodies the heart of Syrah. The wine begins with a seductive nose of black pepper and dusty blackberry, having undertones of dried herbs and expressive violet nuances. The palate is well-balanced and tightly structured with grippy tannins that will hold together for years to come. This is an undeniably fine quality Syrah. Medium-bodied and fully structured, the wine ends with a long lingering finish. It is nice now, however, it's built for age and will be more beautiful with a decade of cellar aging. Hedge your bets and buy some now!
From the same site as the Ava Chenin Blanc. Deep crimson. Dark, intense, spicy fruit. This is concentrated but not with fruit sweetness. It’s the dark dry tannins that shine here, the fruit sober yet rich, dark and chewy/chalky. Compact and needs time for the texture to release the fruit. (JH)
About the producer
Working with fruit from the Swartland, Piekenierskloof, Darling and Stellenbosch, Donovan Rall is one of South Africa’s top winemaking talents. He created his own label in 2008, while working alongside Eben Sadie, and now consults on various projects as well as making his exception Rall wines.