DANGERFIELD SYRAH 2017 – 95 POINTS DECANTER MAGAZINE
This week we have exciting news to share! Our Dangerfield Syrah 2017 has just been awarded 95 points in this months Decanter magazine Syrah review.
Beaumont, Dangerfield Syrah, Bot River Valley 2017 – 95 points
This has an earthy, savory side that brings to mind the Pinot Noirs of Martinborough in New Zealand. About one third whole-bunch fruit, and matured in French oak, 25% new. A creamy lick opens the black cherry and thyme nose. There’s firm, fruity acidity running through the blood-tinged fruit and enough fruit sweetness to balance the savouriness. Great purity and interest – this will age gracefully, but I would enjoy it now. Drink 2020-2025.
“This was a thrilling tasting which confirmed my belief that, after France, South Africa is the go-to country for Syrah. Though California also has many enticing examples, South Africa offers better value for money, with plenty to choose from around the £20 mark. Some of these wines are still clearly under priced, so now is the time to explore” Matt Wells, Decanter"
What is the difference between Shiraz and Syrah?
In my mind it is a stylistic difference. Syrah is the name given to the grape in France. Very seldom do you see the varietal on the label but the regional style produces a perfumed wine with violets, crushed herbs and black fruits. In the New World producing countries Shiraz is the name given to the same grape and it is typically used to make wines that are deep, dark and richly perfumed with oak and sweet fruit.
Both styles have their place and it comes down to the style that you want to or can produce. I have been searching for a more delicate yet complex, perfumed but not sweet, textured but not alcoholic style for our wine. This shift started in 2013. We ferment the grapes 100% with indigenous yeasts, add around 30% whole cluster to bring fruit perfume and texture and leave the wine in contact with the skins for a few weeks longer after fermentation has finished.
The result is a strong stylistic shift towards a more Syrah like wine than the Shiraz’s of our past. The vineyards are more mature so the ripening happens a little slower allowing for more flavour development at lower alcohol levels. With the wine style moving in the right direction we decided to give it a good name to make sure we caught our customers attention – hence “Dangerfield” was given to the Syrah. Not because the vineyards are dangerous in any way. The vineyards are on clay rich shale soils where the wind and the weather play their part in taming the natural vigour. Dangerfield was a name that came from the great Irish writer J.P. Donleavy who wrote a book called the Ginger Man. The main character was called Sebastian Dangerfield and when I was born I was going to named Sebastian Dangerfield Beaumont. Sadly, once my grandparents caught wind of it the idea was vetoed and I got Trevor instead!
Now the deep, dark and dangerously delicious Syrah is finding recognition from Decanter Magazine. The latest rating is an amazing result for something that we have been working hard to achieve.
I hope you enjoy the wine! Syrah Syrah!!
Sebastian Beaumont
