Stella 2022

The 2022 STELLA was crafted with unwavering intent: to honour and preserve the identity of the site that bore its fruit. Nestled on the lower-lying slopes, a small parcel where Syrah and Viognier grow intertwined provided the source. Bunches were hand-picked with precision—Viognier golden and slightly raisined from extended hang-time, exuding a honeyed richness, and Syrah showing its signature spice. Carefully bunch-sorted in the vineyard and again in the cellar, the fruit made its way into two small cuves for co-fermentation. 37% of the mix comprised whole clusters, selected from a particularly stressed parcel of vines bearing perfectly lignified stems, while the remaining 63% was whole berry—about 15% still a vibrant, youthful red; the rest, a deep, classic Syrah blue. Following a 7-day cold soak, fermentation began naturally. The grapes remained in contact with their skins and stems for a total of 21 days, nurtured gently through the process. As the cap began to fall and daily punchdowns became unnecessary, the wine was pressed and transferred to 225L French oak barriques—54% of them new, the rest between five and six years old. STELLA was left undisturbed—never racked—and matured gracefully on its lees for 18 months. STELLA 2022 opens with a sense of restraint—nostalgic notes of raspberry jelly being stirred in a warm kitchen. But soon, it evolves into a boldly expressive Syrah, redolent of smoked meat, sun-dried herbs, and wild fynbos. The palate reveals layers of mulberry compote, black fig, and ripe blackberry, threaded with cracked black pepper, cinnamon bark, and a hint of citrus rind. Tannins are fine and rooibos-like—structured, velvety, and clearing. The finish? Bright, concentrated, and long—a burst of dark fruit, citrus oil, and electric acidity that leaves you craving another sip.