DeMorgenzon, Reserve Syrah 2021
Rich, berry fruit nose with lots of ripe, red plum and whiffs of white pepper. Subtle floral undertones of violets, lavender, and spring blossoms add complexity.
Full-bodied and bursting with youthful vigour, it layers berry fruits over evolving spices of pepper, cinnamon, clove, and vanilla. Reminiscent of a perfumed Côte Rôtie-like finish.
Fine-grained tannins and gentle integration of oak supports its early-age elegance and roundness, promising a nuanced and harmonious palate experience.
£32.75
Stellenbosch
Shiraz / Syrah
LightFull Bodied
Description
VINEYARDS
These vineyards are situated on the farm DeMorgenzon in the Stellenboschkloof. Soils are mostly weathered granite which gives the resultant wines a natural exuberance and youthful vigour. Planted in 2004 the trellised vineyard is managed to ensure natural high acidity and full flavour concentration.
VINTAGE
Following a cool and refreshing spring, the vineyards enjoyed an ideal progression leading up to budburst and berry set. These optimal conditions facilitated even bunch development, ensuring that fruit ripeness and flavour complexity evolved gradually and harmoniously over an extended growing period.
VINIFICATION AND MATURATION
The Syrah grapes for this wine are sourced from two distinct parcels: a high-altitude, high-density “stok-by-paaltjie” block facing south, and another block facing north with vertical shoot positioning. Each parcel is meticulously hand-harvested and undergoes natural fermentation in both concrete tanks and stainless steel, where gentle pump overs and delestage ensure elegant extraction. Maturation occurs in 500L French oak barrels for 12-16 months, allowing the wine to develop complexity and depth before final blending and bottling.
TASTING NOTE
With a deep purple core, this wine presents a rich nose of berry fruits, dominated by ripe red plum with hints of white pepper. Subtle floral undertones of violets, lavender, and spring blossoms add complexity. Full-bodied and bursting with youthful vigour, it layers berry fruits over evolving spices of pepper, cinnamon, clove, and vanilla. The gentle integration of oak supports its early-age elegance and roundness, promising a nuanced and harmonious palate experience.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
W.O. Stellenbosch
ALC: 14.5%
TA: 4.8 g/l
RS: 1.4 g/l
pH: 3.83
Additional information
| Grape | Shiraz / Syrah |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Wine Farm | |
| Alcohol vol | 14.5% |
Lamb, beef, hard cheese and charcuterie







96 points | Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2023
“DeMorgenzon is best known for its whites, but the estate’s reds can be every bit as good. Fermented with 30% whole bunches, this is an intensely perfumed, focused, refreshing Syrah of great distinction and poise. Taut, peppery and focused, with a backbone of tannin, it has lovely minerality and zip and undertones of rosemary and black olive. 2024-32”
Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2023 –
Gold Medal (97 points) | International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024
“Boasts a delightfully floral nose. On the palate, mocha and dark plums meld with ripe tannins and a hint of spice, revealing an elegant, well-structured character. The finish is elevated, showcasing great oak integration and a refreshing vibrancy.”
International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024 –
93 points | Platter’s Wine Guide 2025
“While expressing lusciously ripe fruit, 2021 shifts from powerhouse style of 2020 to something subtler, more elegant, partly via streamlined, powdery tannins. Portion wholebunch adds floral notes to red berry compote, 15 months oak add spice & smoothness.”
Platter’s Wine Guide 2025 –