2019 AVA Syrah
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Tasting notes
Insanely impressive on the nose, the 2019 AVA Syrah explodes from the glass with a heady, red floral push that sashays with notes of potpourri, red peppercorn and wild raspberries before hints of charred sausage with plum compote sway from the glass. Medium-bodied, the whole-bunch Syrah is evident in the palate with crunchy red fruit flavors that burst with purity and finesse in the mouth. Beautifully balanced and framed, energetic acidity and succulent tannins cascade over the mid-palate before concluding with a long, lingering and ever-evolving finish. Run, don’t walk to put some of this in your wine cellar!
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2019 Ava Syrah comes from schist soils and is whole bunch fermented before aging in used oak. It has a gorgeous, seductive nose of pure blackberry, mulberry and light pine needle and garrigue scents, a bit of fennel emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannins on the entry, and plenty of graphite-tinged black fruit merging with savory dried blood notes toward the beautifully balanced finish. You could broach this now, but personally I would tuck away a few bottles.
This label doesn't even let on that it's a varietal Syrah and gives no clue as to the alcohol level; it may well be an early sample sent to Justerinis. Usually only about 1,000 bottles made. Deep crimson. Pure, luscious, sweet-yet-salty Syrah on the nose with real polish. You could really lap this up straight away, while being tempted to open a bottle of Côte Rôtie for comparison. Bravo! Really lifted and eloquent. Who would guess this fruit was grown in a hot, dry climate? I wonder who grew this fruit? (Though a day or two after opening the wine seemed to gain flesh.) Platter's Guide tells us he is growing an increasing proportion of his grapes himself; perhaps this is the evidence? (JR)
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.