Newly released La Motte Syrah 2019, a notable time capsule

Just released this week is the latest vintage of Syrah from La Motte Estate in the Franschhoek region of South Africa: The La Motte Syrah 2019. Notably, a time capsule of grapes which was picked before the COVID-19 pandemic, matured for double the time in french oak and bottled in November 2021. Therefore missing the pandemic entirely - what a table talker. This wine stands elegantly with a royal blue, foil capsule sealing the cork and a clean, white label glimmering with gold detail.

This release has come just in time for winter when we crave rich and flavoursome dishes. And at only R200 a bottle, why not get more than just one bottle?

A Slow and Selective Harvest

Interestingly, the 2019 vintage reaped one of the smallest harvests since 2005. This was largely due to wet and windy conditions during flowering which hampered cluster formation. The La Motte Syrah 2019 is sourced exclusively from vines aged between 10 and 30 years spread over different blocks at La Motte Estate in Franschhoek. The vineyards grew from diverse soil profiles, ranging from sandstone to granite situated between 200 - 300 metres above sea level. This unique terroir, coupled with varying altitudes, contributed to the wine's captivating complexity.

Crafting La Motte Syrah 2019 in the Cellar

The 2019 vintage of La Motte Syrah experienced a slow start, mirroring the gentle onset of summer. Despite this, meticulous attention ensured optimal ripeness, with grapes picked at their peak (ripe and firm). In the cellar, the winemaking process continued with precision. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by extended maturation in French oak barrels, allowed the wine to evolve gracefully over time.

Bunches were de-stemmed and whole berries were placed into stainless steel tanks and were then pumped over twice daily with good aeration during fermentation. The wine was then matured in french oak barrels for 24 months (30% new oak).

The La Motte Syrah normally spends 14 months in french oak barrels but due to the pandemic, this vintage spent almost double the amount of time to prior vintages.

To further enhance colour and extraction, 14% Durif variety (a similar cultivar to Syrah grown in Australia and California) was added.

From cellar to bottle

Only the finest batches found their way into the final blend, resulting in a wine of unparalleled depth and character. 2300 cartons (6 x 750ml) and 140 magnums were bottled.

• Alcohol: 13.58%
• Residual sugar: 2.5 g/l
• Total acidity: 5.9 g/l
• pH: 3.41

The Cellar Master's Tasting Notes: Edmund Terblanche

The additional barrel maturation resulted in a wine with exceptional depth and complexity to the norm. One is greeted by a harmonious blend of oak and fruit. Blackberry nuances intertwine with hints of cigar and coffee, while spice notes of nutmeg and aniseed add intrigue. The palate, marked by elegance and restraint, promises a lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression.

Pairing Recommendations and Cellar Expectations

Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche anticipates exceptional maturation potential for the 2019 vintage, suggesting it will continue to evolve beautifully over the next 15 years. With its full-bodied character, this Syrah serves as an ideal accompaniment to rich, flavorful dishes. From venison to pepper-crusted steaks, its versatility knows no bounds, offering a delightful interplay of flavours with each pairing.

Accolades

The 2019 vintage has already won numerous awards in 2023:

• The 2023 National Wine Challenge - Double Platinum
• The 2023 John Platter ****1/2
• The 2023 National Wine Challenge - Top 100

Indulge in the Experience

The 2019 La Motte Syrah is now available online or at the cellar door, inviting wine enthusiasts to embark on a journey of taste and refinement. Priced at only R200 per bottle, it promises an experience worth savouring.

Connect with La Motte Wine Estate on social media to stay updated on the latest news and releases:

• Facebook: La Motte
• Twitter: @lamottewine
• Instagram: La Motte Wine

For more information, visit www.la-motte.com or contact +27 (0)21 876 8000.