Excelsior Syrah (75cl, 14%)

A South African red wine from Robertson, blended with Petit Verdot and produced by Excelsior Estate. The estate sits in a region known for limestone-rich soils and a warm, dry climate, and 40% of the wine is aged for six months in French and American oak barrels. Serve at 60-65°F (16-18°C), with a brief 15-minute decant to open the smoky secondary notes. It works in red wine sangria, a Kalimotxo or a simple red wine drink. The nose opens with smoky, meaty notes over ripe blackberry and plum, with licorice, mint and baking spice. The palate is juicy and fruit-driven with dark berry, cherry, chocolate, Asian spice, black pepper and earthy undertones, plus vanilla from the oak. The finish is dry, soft and satisfying, with lingering pepper, chocolate and licorice and well-integrated tannins.