Staanspoor, Syrah 2023
The name Staanspoor means the departure point in Afrikaans and this wine’s departure is a shared passion. The name illustrates that where passion is shared, it brings people together and that anything is possible. This is also Pierre Puren and Pieter Vermaak, with winemaker Angus Paul’s second vintage and the departure point of their adventure together.
A boutique, Old World-style Syrah – at first sniff you smell the sea, then cracked black pepper & madras spice floats out of the glass, with brambly berry fruits underlain. The graphite signature of the Polkadraai Hills hangs in the background. The palate is medium bodied and rushes forward. Spice interweaving with waves of red and black fruit upon the tongue. The long finish is all graphite and sweet red fruit, and a touch of Cornaslike bloodiness.
£27.10
Stellenbosch
Shiraz / Syrah
LightFull Bodied
Description
Staanspoor, meaning “departure point” in Afrikaans, marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for Pierre Puren and Pieter Vermaak. This wine is the embodiment of their shared passion, a testament to the belief that when passion is shared, it becomes an unstoppable force.
Pierre, a financial planner, and Pieter, a steel construction owner, forged an unlikely friendship over their mutual love for reading, talking, drinking, and buying wine. Their diverse backgrounds only enriched their bond, proving that passion can bridge any gap. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their shared enthusiasm for wine deepened as they spent more time discussing and exploring wine. This period of isolation became a catalyst for their dream of making wine together.
Crafted by winemaker Angus Paul, Staanspoor is a 100% Syrah, with grapes sourced from the renowned Karibib Vineyards in Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch. This wine is more than just a beverage; it is a symbol of genuine enthusiasm and contagious passion. Pierre and Pieter’s journey from wine enthusiasts to releasing a wine together is a story of how shared dreams can ignite a similar excitement in others.
Their debut wine, Staanspoor, invites you to join them at the departure point of this remarkable adventure, where every sip is a celebration of friendship and shared dreams. They hope that Staanspoor will bring other unlikely friendships together and create a passion for wine.
VITICULTURE
Grapes were picked and cooled overnight to 10C. In 2023, 25% of the clusters were destemmed, and the other 75% were treated as whole cluster. Two punch downs per day were performed throughout the duration of the natural fermentation and for a week after its end. Wine was pressed, settled, and immediately racked to French oak barrels. Of the barrels, 25% was new and 75% older barrels of varying sizes (225, 300, 500). Wines carried out a natural malolactic fermentation and were matured for 15 months. Barrels were blended and bottled with a light filtration.
At first sniff you smell the sea, then cracked black pepper & madras spice floats out of the glass, with brambly berry fruits underlain. The graphite signature of the Polkadraai Hills hangs in the background. The palate is medium bodied and rushes forward. Spice interweaving with waves of red and black fruit upon the tongue. The long finish is all graphite and sweet red fruit, and a touch of Cornaslike bloodiness.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
W.O. Stellenbosch
ALC 13.08%
TA 5.0 g/l
RS 2.8 g/l
PH 3,73
Additional information
| Alcohol vol | 13.1% |
|---|---|
| Grape | Shiraz / Syrah |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Wine Farm |
- Grilled & Roasted Meats (Best Pairing):
- Braised Lamb Shank: The wine's velvety tannins and savory, slightly smoky notes complement tender, slow-cooked lamb.
- Char-grilled Steak: The wine's structure stands up well to fatty, grilled meat.
- Venison: The gamey nature of venison pairs perfectly with the spicy and savory profile.
- Roasted Pork or Duck: The wine's bright acidity balances rich fat.
- Vegetarian & Earthy Options:
- Mushroom Risotto: The earthy mushrooms and creamy texture complement the wine's savoury, complex notes.
- Roasted Eggplant or Root Vegetables: Ideal for bringing out the umami notes in the wine.
- Crushed Puy Lentils with Tahini & Cumin: A savory vegan pairing that highlights the wine's spice.
- Cheese & Charcuterie:
- Aged Cheddar or Gouda: The sharpness of the cheese holds up to the wine's power.
- Creamy Blue Cheese: Creates a memorable pairing.
- Cured Meats: Tapenade or cured meats match the olive/tapenade notes in the wine.
3 reviews for Staanspoor, Syrah 2023
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92 points | Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2025
“Staanspoor comes from red ferricrete and granite soils in the Polkadraai Hills and shows the balance and understatement that are the hallmarks of Angus Paul’s wines. Tobacco leaf, fennel and white pepper aromas are complemented by blackberry and tapenade flavours and some underlying meaty grip. 2025-28”
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95 points | Greg Sherwood MW Wine Safari Score
“An incredibly attractive aromatics packed full of sweet black and blue berry fruits with hints of black olive tapenade, black peppercorns, salty black currant, incense, and warming Christmas spices. The palate is rich but vibrant, tightly packed with saline black berry fruits, oyster shell and hints of nori seaweed nuances. The frame is chiselled and taut, sleek and notably mineral with a fine vein of granitic spice and maritime salinity on the finish. A very classy, old world Northern Rhone lookalike that’s absolutely delicious. Drink now to 2035+.”
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95 points | Platter’s Wine Guide 2026
“Superlative Syrah with a very smart address. 2023 lighter colour and body (13% alcohol vs 14.5% on the 2022), greater complexity of lifted red fruit, florals & white spice, more cool-climate elegance & verve. Sensitively judged ripe flavours & supple feel, long & tapered, nip of the fine tannin. 75% wholebunch. 15 months 25% new oak.”
Platter’s Wine Guide 2026 –