Belfield Syrah 2013 – hand-crafted cool-climate gem
- May 15, 2017
- 1 min read
About the farm:
Belfield is the smallest wine estate in the cool-climate Elgin. It produces three red wines from 3 single vineyards.
Mike Kreft, owner and wine-maker, bought the estate in 2000. Mike and his wife have a passion for fynbos and previously owned a protea farm – they also named two of their wines after proteas. His wines are hand-crafted, “from berry to bottle”. His wines are honest; unfined and unfiltered.
About the wine:
The grapes were harvested in the morning, and soaked on the skins for four days. The wine was matured in French and American oak barrels for 11 months.
For me, the wine has a deep plum-like colour, with a brighter shade of red at the rim. I noticed aromas of berries, dark fruit and some spices.
It is a dry full-bodied wine with fresh acidity and a velvety, long finish. Flavours included plums, blackberries and just a hint of cocoa. The tannins are not harsh, but rather rounded and soft. It’s a bit higher in alcohol (14,5%); but there is no need to rush as there are more than enough thought-provoking elements in the glass!
The wine can be enjoyed on its own, or with a meal. I prefer it on a cold autumn/ wintery night. Of this vintage, only 3384 bottles were produced – be sure to get a hold of one (or two) to be enjoyed now, or in time to come.
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