World class South African syrah: Rall Ava 2018

A masterpiece. A syrah from South Africa that’s right up there with the first class of this variety from anywhere in the World.

Interestingly, my first bottle opened in 2021 was less convincing somehow, and the difference is noteworthy. A bad bottle or it just needed some time? I could not tell, but I was quite happy to drink this through several days and I was amazed by the last drops just as much as by the first sips.

Warm climate, sunbaked fruit, yet it’s not over-ripe. Barossa ripeness meets Old World savouriness, but it’s distinctly South-African in character, not burnt rubber, but perhaps a rooibos tea note marks its origin. Dense and full on the palate, combined with a bone dry taste and massive structure. Taut and sinewy enough to balance the richness. The complexity, depth and concentration is more than outstanding, and this also has the magic factor which makes it unique and exciting. And it’s only 13,5%. 95 points. Price was 50€ (it was worth it), it’s 56€ for the current 2019, stockist is Taste of Africa in Luxembourg.