Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Made in tiny quantities, Richard Kershaw MW’s wines are always in high demand. Born in Sheffield, Richard trained and worked as a chef before discovering wine. After extensive travelling he settled in South Africa in 1999, and by 2009 he was Group Winemaker at Mulderbosch and Kanu. He established Kershaw Wines in 2012, specialising in the cool-climate wines of Elgin. Being one of the few MW’s to make his own wine, he uses his vast knowledge to craft stunning wines that are easily a match for some of the world’s very best wines.

THE VINTAGE:
April rainfall in klein River allowed cover crops to be grown and rainfall in early winter built soil water reserves. A warm period led to early budburst. However unpredictable weather in September, with cold fronts led to deceleration of shoot growth and strong winds in October led to poor fruit set and ultimately a reduction in yields. Moderate summer temperatures were punctuated by a heatwave in February. Cool nights in February and March allowed a long hang time retaining balancing acidity.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The G.P.S. (Grape Positioning System) series is made from exciting small parcels of fruit selected from carefully chosen vineyards outside the Elgin Valley. The grapes for this wine come from the Klein River ward, which is one of the smallest wine wards in South Africa. Almost 20 years ago, the first Syrah vines were planted in an area which has traditionally been used for sheep and wheat farming. Three hectares were set aside for Syrah, on shale-derived Glenrosa soil. These soils are normally the hallmark of warmer areas, but these vines nestle against the Klein River Mountain range, which combined with the nearby Akkedis Valley, provide a portal through which the cool sea breezes from the Walker Bay penetrate, creating a mild meso-climate in summer. The SH1 clone vines are trellised with an open canopy to maximise sunlight and aid air circulation, and bush vines. Wines from these vines are highly acclaimed and consistently win multiple awards.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were hand-picked, manually sorted and destemmed before being transferred uncrushed into open-topped fermenters. The grapes underwent three-day maceration before spontaneous fermentation began with wild yeasts. Gentle pigeage took place and skin contact lasted for 19 days. The wine was then racked to barrel by gravity and the remaining pomace was basket pressed. Malolactic conversion took place in barrel followed by maturation which included 33% new oak matured in 12 barriques, seven puncheons and the remainder in breathable eggs. The wine was racked and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Perfumed aromas of lavender, spice, black plum and prune lead to a captivating palate. A diligent array of flavours surround the dark fruit from garrigue, chocolate, to menthol notes underpinned by fine chalky tannins. Complex, with fabulous length and a lightness of touch.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Syrah 100%.

AWARDS:
• 4.5 Stars, 90 Points, Platter, 2024
• 93 Points, Tim Atkin MW, 2024
• 92 Points, James Suckling, 2024