Truth be told, I am on a Syrah kick. Syrah has captured my mood on this final stretch of chilly weather before the flower blossoms of spring will push me to more whites and rosés. There is just something about a rustic Syrah, the flirtatious interplay between black fruit and spice-herbal tones, that gets me going.
The 2016 Boschkloof Sons of Sugarland Syrah from Stellenbosch, South Africa eagerly met me at the front door and permitted me to decompress from the day. Primary aromas and flavors included black plum, macerated black cherries, blackberry bramble, a mix of fresh violet and dried lavender, dried black peppercorns, and an undertone of sandalwood. Secondary notes included just a touch of white chocolate and nutmeg. This wine was dry, with medium acidity, high alcohol, medium (+) aroma and flavor intensity, medium (+) body, and medium tannins that were soft and silky. The finish was medium (+).
Produced from the SH99 clone of Syrah grapes that were 100% whole-cluster fermented, this wine delivered a lot of love and sentiment. Not surprising, as the Boschkloof team consists of three native South African families that have tended to the vineyards and wine cellar for over 15 years.
