Description
The 2022 Minimalist Wines Experimental Red from Elgin is a 100% Grenache Noir, aged for 12 months in neutral French oak. The wine is pale, with delicate aromas of rose petals, wild raspberries, and white pepper. The palate is pure, with smooth tannins and mineral notes, offering both playfulness and seriousness. It is a refined and elegant wine, with a silky texture that pairs well with beef, lamb, game, or poultry.
A unique, terroir-driven expression from the cool climate of the Overberg.
Producer Profile
“Frankly, I have encountered few South Africa wines with such delineation.” – Neal Martin of the 2019 Stars in the Dark Syrah. (97 Pts.)
Sam Lambson makes Syrah. Site-specific, South African Syrah. (And an Experimental Range including a white blend and Grenache Noir.) He has done so for five vintages now (2018 to 2022) under his Minimalist wine brand. Which, as the name suggests, infers minimal intervention in the cellar and, in recent years, has been celebrated for translating terroir straight into the glass “in all its unfettered glory,” as Neal Martin remarks. The three Minimalist Syrahs are from three of South Africa’s coolest (both literally and figuratively speaking) climate winemaking areas, and thus literal liquid gold from Agulhas, Elgin, and a blend of both and the Polkadraai. The resulting Syrahs are what makes South African Syrah one of their most exciting red grapes, and these wines most probably destined to become part of SA’s vinous legacy. Making us thankful for having been able to secure this allocation.
