Kershaw, Clonal Selection Elgin Syrah 2018

Kershaw 'Clonal Selection' Elgin Syrah 2018 is a distinguished red wine from the Elgin region of South Africa, crafted by the esteemed Kershaw Wines. Founded by Master of Wine Richard Kershaw in 2012, the winery is celebrated for producing clonally selected, site-specific, cool-climate wines that express the unique terroir of their origins. The 'Clonal Selection' range focuses on meticulously chosen clones and vineyard parcels, showcasing the diversity and potential of South African viticulture.

The 2018 vintage is composed of 100% Syrah, utilizing three specific clones: SH9C, SH22, and SH29. These clones are cultivated across five distinct parcels within the Elgin region, each contributing unique characteristics to the final blend. The cool climate of Elgin, combined with diverse soil types, provides an ideal environment for Syrah, allowing for slow ripening and the development of complex flavours. The winemaking process involves handpicking the grapes into small lug baskets, followed by manual sorting and destemming. A three-day cold maceration precedes spontaneous fermentation, with gentle pigeage employed to extract desired colour and tannins. Post-fermentation, the wine is aged for 17 months in Burgundian and Rhône French oak barrels, with approximately 58% being new oak, enhancing complexity and depth.

Appearance: Deep ruby-red with a dark, almost opaque core, fading to a vibrant garnet rim. The wine’s striking clarity reflects its purity and meticulous craftsmanship, while the density of colour hints at its concentration and depth. Swirling the glass reveals slow-moving legs, indicating a refined structure and balance.

Aroma: The nose is an array of black raspberry, crushed black peppercorns, wild lavender, dried orange peel, sea spray, and rosemary fronds. Interspersed are nuances of Madagascan vanilla pod and milled Colombian coffee grounds, adding complexity and intrigue. As the wine opens, layers of smoked meat, graphite, and hints of dark chocolate emerge, showcasing its cool-climate Syrah character.

Taste: Medium-bodied yet deeply concentrated, with a refined elegance that unfolds in layers. Black-skinned fruit, iodine, and ground white peppercorns take centre stage, while nuances of cassis, mulberry, and liquorice develop with aeration. The minerality from Elgin’s shale and sandstone soils is evident, providing tension and vibrancy. Oak influence is subtle but present, adding whispers of clove, nutmeg, and toasted cedar. Fine-grained tannins create a supple yet structured texture, enhancing the wine’s depth.

Finish: Long, refined, and seamlessly integrated, with lingering notes of ripe black fruits, crushed violets, and a touch of flinty smokiness. The balance of acidity and tannin structure ensures an extended evolution in the bottle, promising excellent ageing potential. As the wine fades on the palate, a savoury edge of cured meat and crushed rock minerality remains, reinforcing its complexity.

Food Pairing: This Syrah pairs beautifully with rich meat dishes such as slow-cooked beef stew or roasted lamb shoulder, where its dark fruit and spice notes enhance the depth of the dish. It also complements game meats like venison, with its earthy, peppered elements harmonizing effortlessly. For a vegetarian option, consider a hearty mushroom risotto or grilled portobello mushrooms, as the wine’s earthiness and spice accentuate the umami flavours. Blue cheese or aged cheddar also make an excellent pairing, balancing the wine’s structured tannins with creamy textures. Best served slightly below room temperature to fully express its aromatic complexity and depth.