False Bay 'Old School' Syrah 2023

No bells and whistles here -just good, old-school Syrah with a savoury Rhône-like edge. Wild-yeast fermentation and ageing in large wooden casks bring out gentle spice, while full brambly fruit, rustic herbs, and fine tannins keep it fresh and structured. It's the kind of winemaking you'd expect from something far pricier - serious, balanced, and not to be overlooked.

This structured, gently spicy Syrah is spot on with slow-cooked lamb shoulder, a hearty aubergine parmigiana, or spicy merguez sausages - big, bold flavours that stand up to it nicely.

Named after South Africa's most iconic bay, which frames much of the country's premium winelands, False Bay Vineyards was founded in 1994 by Paul Boutinot who came to the Western Cape to seek out and rescue grapes from old, under-appreciated vineyards that were destined to be lost in the large co-operative blends that were dominating South Africa's wine industry back then. Somewhat ahead of his time, Paul transformed these gems into wines with a minimum of intervention: wild yeast ferments, no acid additions etc. It's a familiar story to many 'real wine' lovers now, but back then he was swimming against the tide. And even today, making wine this way at the modest price-level they ask for their wines is not something you'll come across too often.