Kershaw Wines Syrah 'G.P.S. Series', Klein River

A subtle, precise style of Syrah, showing wonderful harmony and freshness with flavours of black fruits and ground white peppercorn.

Producer Note

Made in tiny quantities, Richard Kershaw MW's wines are always in high demand. Born in Sheffield, Richard trained and worked as a chef before discovering wine. After extensive travelling he settled in South Africa in 1999, and by 2009 he was Group Winemaker at Mulderbosch and Kanu. He established Kershaw Wines in 2012, specialising in the cool-climate wines of Elgin. Being one of the few MW’s to make his own wine, he uses his vast knowledge to craft stunning wines that are easily a match for some of the world’s very best wines. 

Vineyard

The G.P.S. (Grape Positioning System) series is made from exciting small parcels of fruit selected from carefully chosen vineyards outside the Elgin Valley. The grapes for this wine come from the Klein River ward, which is one of the smallest wine wards in South Africa. Almost 20 years ago, the first Syrah vines were planted in an area which had traditionally been used for sheep and wheat farming. Three hectares were set aside for Syrah, on shale-derived Glenrosa soil. These soils are normally the hallmark of warmer areas, but these vines nestle against the Klein River Mountain range, which combined with the nearby Akkedis Valley, provide a portal through which the cool sea breezes from the Walker Bay penetrate, creating a mild meso-climate in summer. The SH1 clone vines are trellised with an open canopy to maximise sunlight and aid air circulation, and bush vines. Wines from these vines are highly acclaimed and consistently win multiple awards. 

Winemaking

The grapes were hand-picked, manually sorted and de-stemmed before being transferred uncrushed into open-topped fermenters. The grapes underwent three-day maceration before spontaneous fermentation began with wild yeasts. Gentle pigeage took place and skin contact lasted for 19 days. The wine was then racked to barrel by gravity and the remaining pomace was basket pressed. Malolactic conversion took place in barrel followed by maturation which included 33% new oak matured in twelve barriques, seven puncheons and the remainder in breathable eggs. The wine was racked and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Note

Perfumed aromas of lavender, spice, black plum and prune lead to a captivating palate. A diligent array of flavours surround the dark fruit from garrigue, chocolate, to menthol notes underpinned by fine chalky tannins. Complex, with fabulous length and a lightness of touch. 

Grape

Syrah 100%