Carinus Family Vineyards Syrah 2019
Sometimes a wine is too tasty to age. Sometimes you just need to smash it.
Some of my favourite wine tasting events are the monthly tastings held at the Publik Warehouse once a month. Anyone who's been drinking reds from South Africa has come across the names Danie and Hugo Carinus, as they grow quality grapes in the Swartland and Stellenbosch, supplying many of our favourite winemakers. They also make their own wines,made by the talented winemaker, Lukas van Loggerenberg. I was already a huge fan of the 2018, so it was a no brainer tasting the 2019 vintage at Publik...and subsequently purchasing a few bottles.
The Wine:
Crystal clear, bright medium ruby with a pronounced nose of strawberries, cherry, raspberry, tomato leaf, olives, black pepper and geranium.
Dry, medium bodied, delicious acidity, fine tannins with a medium plus finish. Red fruits, cloves, black pepper and coffee on the palate. Guava on the finish - a weird one that’s been happening lately...not sure if the guava is real or if my tastebuds are going wonky...either way, I’m digging it.
Viti + Vini:
Made by one of my fave winemakers (Lukas van Loggerenberg) from grapes grown by a legit duo of grape growers (Danie and Hugo Carinus) in Devon Valley, Polkadraai. The vineyard was planted in 1996 on sandy soils and was grafted on Ramsey rootstock. The wine was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels.
Conclusion:
Balance (1) + Length (1) + Intensity (½) + Complexity (½) = A good wine.
Can be drunk now, but suitable for further ageing. I have a habit of drinking these almost immediately. Sometimes a wine doesn't need ageing...sometimes it's perfectly delicious as is.
Final Thoughts:
I really enjoyed the 2018...and I’m back drinking the 2019 equally young....because I think it’s bloody tasty in its youth and because I’m crap at cellaring. It’s the type of Syrah that I love to drink slightly chilled in the middle of summer.
Tasted on fruit days according the Biodynamic Calendar for the SH.
