2011 Fable Mountain Syrah

The 2011 Syrah comes from the Tulbagh estate and sees eight to 24 months in 500-liter French oak of which one-third is new. The first word that springs to mind on the nose is “Clape” – a Cornas doppelganger that has wonderful definition. The palate is very intense and minerally, with layers of ripe blackberry, cassis and white pepper and enormous structure on the salted licorice finish that manages to maintain finesse. This is one of the best South African Syrah that I tasted during my tasting – bravo.

This is the estate wine on the old Tulbagh Mountain farm acquired by American Charles Banks's investment operation. Dark crimson. Savoury nose without classic Syrah fragrance. Like the Night Sky blend, this is very sweet. But in this case there doesn't seem to be that much potential in evidence. A hint of yeast extract. And some pretty dry tannins on the end. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping when suggesting drink dates. At the moment it's an all too believable hulk. (JR)