Syrah High Hopes, Van Loggerenberg 2022

The 2022 High Hopes is a Syrah-based Rhône blend from Swartland raised 25% in foudres and the remainder in used oak, their only wine based on schist soils. The bouquet is expressive with precise blackberry, violet, potpourri and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins, structured and quite saline, gently building to exert impressive grip whilst maintaining elegance on the finish. Quite backward as you would expect, it will require 3-4 years in bottle. Serious Syrah for those that prefer Cornas over Hermitage. 2026 - 2046

Eben Sadie's Columella was the inspiration for this Rhône-style Swartland blend, made with Syrah, 9% Grenache and 3% Cinsault. Spicy, refreshing and zippy, it's a restrained, medium bodied style with very little oak influence, red berry, bramble and pomegranate flavours and savoury tannins. A stylish second release. 2024-29.

88% Syrah, 9% Grenache and 3% Cinsaut from Swartland vineyards, the former undergoing 30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 11 months in 500-litre barrels, the latter two in barrique. Predominantly red berries plus traces of floral perfume, fynbos, pepper and spice. The palate is light-bodied with fruit to the fore, lemon-like acidity and powdery tannins. Already wonderfully approachable.

88% Syrah, 9% Grenache Noir, 3% Cinsault. The same vineyard as the 2021 but in 2022, Syrah ripened at 13.7% – alcohol more than a degree higher than 2021. You can taste the vineyard resemblance between the two wines, but you can definitely feel the greater weight in the 2022, and the fruit is a little darker – elderberries. Lots of earthy, roast-morels undertow. May need a bit more time than the 2021. Drink 2025-2032.