This is drinking so very brilliantly right now (in 2023), but easily has another 5-10 years in the tank. 100% Syrah from the granitic soils of the Polkadraai Hills in Stellenbosch, with masses of appeal for lovers of the Northern Rhône. Reyneke's wines are always more "Old World" than "New World" in style and perhaps none more so than the Syrah. With savoury flavours of smoked meat, iodine, and black olive tapenade, dried wild herbs (or fynbos, to be more accurate - the Cape's native vegetation), vivid acidity and sinewy tannins, this is undoubtedly one of the Cape's best Syrahs. [Tasted 2023]

On the nose, the 2016 Reserve Red is generous, showing rich black fruits that are just ripe, along with aromas of black pepper and retains a tight rigidity to the core. The palate is strict with tannins and is still tight and should open up in a lovely way over the next ten years. It has a structured and long tannic finish and will reward those who cellar this wine properly. If you are restlessly eager to drink this wine young, be prepared to enjoy this with food.

Tight, herby nose. Generic, bitter, lean fruit. Very Italinate in style. As with their whites, the concentration is superb, but the flavour style is tight and bitter. (RH)