Syrah or Shiraz ?

A resume of the syrah/shiraz potential in South Africa by the talented François Haasbroek from Waterword Estate is more than interesting.

According to him, syrah takes very easily its winemaker footprint, is influenced by the use of French, Hungarian or American oak and is related to where it is grown. In fact, I really think syrah/shiraz expressions may follow three main line :
• Peppery Rhone elegant style
• Jammy, ripe minty Australian style
• Finally an in between style were South Africa should stand.

I also think that Syrah is a little bit more than any aromatique grape and is more interesting to work and to taste than let’s say it….sauvignon blanc !

I’m agree with François on a point, Swartland is probably the future of Shiraz and it will produce amazing wine very soon.

So Syrah or Shiraz ? really doesn't matter as long as they are Good !!

As we are talking about tasting, let’s talk about the Kevin Arnold produce in Waterford. They are not using any new oak, but fermentation is held in the barrel that will also serve to age the wine. Origin is french.
The 2004 is probably the best at the moment, with some savouryness that call for game, but so delicate and vevelty that springbok is the time.
The 2005, tasted in Stellenbosch is more classic, peperry Rhone style that deserve the best meat you can grill, what not a Karoo Lamb with some aromatic herbs. Still a monster the 2005 will keep longer.
In 2006, syrah did performed well but Kevin Arnold one gar from it’s potential is a sleeping beauty that may not be open yet, tannins are tight.
Let’s hace abit of chardonnay tomorrow for a change !

Cheers.

Benjamin