Van Loggerenberg High Hopes Syrah/Grenache 2023

The 2023 High Hopes does not include any Cinsault this year, with the Syrah whole-bunch-fermented using submerged cap and aged in concrete, foudre and 300-liter French oak. It has a perfumed nose with wilted rose petal, peony and light loamy scents, tightly wound red berry fruit and hints of bergamot that develop with time. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins, a wonderful silver thread of acidity and a pure, Côte-Rôtie finish – black olive tapenade on the aftertaste. Superb. Drinking window: 2026-2046. Score – 95. (Neal Martin, vinous.com, Sept. 19, 2024)