Reyneke Biodynamic Syrah – Quality with Integrity

Reyneke Wines, the certified Organic and Biodynamic farm and winery located in the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch, continue to impress with outstanding international ratings for the 2015 vintage of their Biodynamic Syrah in Tim Atkin’s 2017 South African Report, The Wine Advocate and Decanter magazine.

These recent accolades are yet another endorsement of Reyneke Wines’ mantra, ‘Quality with integrity’. Johan Reyneke (co-owner) is the passion and talent behind Reyneke Wines and his aim is to produce exceptional wines through biodynamic agriculture principles. He has remained steadfast in his belief that “organic and biodynamic wine farming is the route to coax the best wines from the earth, while remaining in environmental integrity.”

Tim Atkin’s 2017 South African Report

In his recent 2017 South African Report, Tim Atkin (internationally renowned wine commentator and British Master of Wine), once again was most impressed with the quality of Reyneke wines, ranking Reyneke as one of South Africa’s top 20 wine producers (‘First Growth’) and rating the Reyneke Syrah 2015 94 points (on the 100-point quality scale), the same superb rating he gave the previous vintage in his 2016 Report.

Wine Advocate

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate is the world’s most influential wine publication. Since its first edition in 1978, a 90+ Parker score ‘has been the making of’ many of today’s most sought-after wines. In his recent South Africa Report, Neal Martin, who is the lead taster for Bordeaux, Burgundy and South Africa, awarded a whopping 93 points to the Reyneke Biodynamic Syrah 2015. This accolade mirrors the success of previous vintages of this wine in former Wine Advocate South Africa Reports, which included the Reyneke Syrah 2011 being awarded Best Value Red Wine in the World for 2013.

Decanter

This excellent recognition follows hot-on-the-heels of a 92 point rating for the Reyneke Syrah 2015, in a Natural Wine panel tasting in the Decanter May 2017 issue, by Sarah Jane Evans, MW and Co-Chair of the Decanter World Wine Awards. Decanter, the authoritative and internationally recognized UK wine publication read in 92 countries, is regarded as the world’s most respected wine magazine.

REYNEKE BIODYNAMIC SYRAH – AN ADMIRABLE PEDIGREE

These recent achievements follow a long line of praise for the Reyneke Syrah both locally and internationally. Previous acclaim includes a pinnacle 5 stars for the Syrah 2013 in the Platter’s 2016 wine guide, as well as ‘outstanding’ ratings from other renowned wine critics like: Jancis Robinson OBE and MW, (British wine critic, journalist and wine writer who is considered by many to be the most important wine critic in the world); Jamie Goode of Wineanorak.com (UK-based wine writer, author and blogger); and James Molesworth of Wine Spectator (esteemed US wine magazine).

REYNEKE BIODYNAMIC SYRAH 2015 

Winemaker’s Notes 

Wine made the traditional way is something special that honours our connection to the earth. Reyneke’s Syrah is certified biodynamic and organic and was made with minimal intervention – grown without any pesticides or herbicides using biodynamic methods, and foot-crushed and fermented the traditional way. All the Syrah grapes are handpicked and hand sorted and undergo a traditional-style fermentation in concrete Nomblot tanks, incorporating 30% whole bunches which are foot-crushed. Spontaneous, natural fermentation occurs with minimal punch downs and pump overs. Natural secondary fermentation occurs in 2nd and 3rd fill French casks and in 2500-ℓ foudres. The wine ages for 16 months in oak and another 3 months in stainless steel before bottling.


Tasting Notes 

The nose is aromatic and perfumed, with concentrated notes of raspberries and cherries and hints of chamomile flower and fynbos. The complex nose follows through with spicy undertones of cloves and white pepper. The palate is fresh and vibrant with great tannic structure and a long finish. Layers of red fruit and spices, with savoury notes in the background, gives you wine that is well balanced and will drink well now and until 2022.

Suggested food pairings

Charcuterie, Slow-braised oxtail, Lamb shanks, Peppered rib-eye steak, Bean casserole, Tangy spare ribs off the grill, Pulled barbeque pork, Chilli con carne or Grilled game fish.

Retail price

Reyneke Biodynamic Syrah retails nationally for approximately R175.


REYNEKE BIODYNAMIC WINES PACKAGING – A VISUAL CONNECTION TO THE SOUL OF THE WINE

Anthony Lane Design consultancy, famous wine packaging gurus, created a simple, environmentally friendly and holistic identity for the wines that reflect Johan Reyneke’s approach to farming. Minimising the use of synthetic materials, the designers chose a beautiful etched script wrapped around the bottle representing the biodynamic nature of the wine, and the continuous cycle of nature.

REYNEKE WINES – A FAVOURITE AMONG THE WORLD’S LEADING COMMENTATORS WHILE HONOURING OUR CONNECTION TO THE EARTH

Reyneke wines are certified biodynamic and organic, “grown with consideration and respect for the web of life, honouring our connection to the earth. We believe there is no greatness without goodness”, says co-owner Johan Reyneke “not just because it’s better for the earth, but because it makes for better wine. We work in a natural give-and-take relationship with the earth to bring it alive with a goodness that follows through to our wines, which are produced traditionally with minimal intervention – no chemicals and no technology. Some people dismiss it as old-fashioned nostalgia, but we like to think of it as ancient wisdom. In the bottle you will taste the results of our holistic and honest approach”.

Reyneke wines have surprised, delighted and impressed even the toughest critics, firmly establishing themselves as a favourite amongst the world’s leading commentators. One of the Cape’s top estates, Reyneke certainly is, with a pinnacle “First Growth” ranking in Tim Atkin’s 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 South African Wine Reports. Reyneke has also been the proud recipient of five 5-star awards in the Platter’s authoritative wine guide. In addition Reyneke was nominated for ‘New World Winery of the Year’ at American magazine Wine Enthusiast’s 2013 Wine Star Awards.

Taking care of the people is as important to Johan Reyneke as taking care of the land. He is a man noted for putting his solid social conscience into practice. He asked his workers what they’d choose for their life and the answer was home ownership and education for their children, so the Cornerstone Project was founded to benefit Reyneke’s workers and families, rewarding them with their own homes and funding tertiary education.

  • “It’s an approach that creates wine that offers brilliant quality, respects nature, and your health, and is also socially responsible. It makes for happy wine-drinking, pleasing the senses and the conscience.” (Platter’s South African Wines 2011).
  • “One of Stellenbosch’s finest estates”, notes Wine Advocate’s Neal Martin. “These wines fulfil both in a sensory and intellectual way.” 

REYNEKE VINEYARDS AND CELLAR 

“Johan’s passionate concern for his vines and the well-being of the land is matched in the cellar by the brilliance of Rudiger Gretschel, chief winemaking guru at wine company Vinimark which has an interest in the Reyneke brand. As one of the Cape’s top wineries, its success continues to grow internationally and locally.” (Platter’s South African Wines 2016).

VISIT REYNEKE WINES

Reyneke Wines is situated on the ridge of the Polkadraai Hills, with spectacular views of Stellenbosch and overlooking the rugged, majestic coastline of False Bay.

Reyneke is open for sales Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 3.30pm

Tasting, Vineyard Walks and Cellar Tours by appointment only   

Tel: 021 881 3517 · E-mail: wine@reynekewines.co.za · Website: www.reynekewines.co.za

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