The Polkadraai Hills region is exploding with some of the Cape’s most thrilling Syrah, and the 2024 Lone Wolf from Bruwer Vintners sits comfortably among the finest.
The 2024 is aromatically beguiling, capturing the distinctive character of its granitic soils. From what Tim Atkin deems a ‘Grand Cru Syrah site’, it’s powerful yet poised, with the length and verve to carry it another decade. With a stellar 97-point score from Christian Eedes, it comes highly recommended.
Minuscule quantities were made in 2024, and we have secured a few of the last cases in the country. Expect energy, excellent fruit concentration and an ‘exquisite bouquet’ (Neal Martin).
Bruwer Vintners is a project by the Raats Family team and was founded in 2014. Led by Gavin Slabbert, he believes ‘Syrah is hugely significant in putting South Africa on the global map – that’s why we have to make the best expressions year on year.’ If the 2024 Lone Wolf is anything to go by, they’re well on their way to becoming a leading Cape producer.
Tasting Notes:
Bruwer Vintners Lone Wolf Syrah 2024
‘From Karibib, Polkadraai Hills. 100% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in older oak. Heady aromatics of red and black berries, potpourri, fynbos, incense and pepper. Excellent clarity and depth of fruit, vibrant acidity and grippy but not astringent tannins. Powerful yet poised, the finish wonderfully persistent.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100
