2015 Rall Red Swartland

The 2015 Red Blend from Donovan Rall is a blend of 80% Syrah, 15% Grenache and for the first time, 5% Cinsault, with 100% whole bunch. Deep in color, it has a very well- defined bouquet with ebullient dark cherry, red plum and bergamot aromas, that trait of melted asphalt surfacing with continued aeration. The palate is medium-bodied (again) with slightly tarry red fruit, the stem addition neatly integrated, a bitter cherry note towards the structured finish and a prolonged black pepper aftertaste. It feels broodier, more introspective than previous vintages, which Donovan suggests might be because of the iron content in the vineyard. It deserves 3-4 years in bottle, if you can wait.

The Rall red blend is a cuvée of mostly Syrah (from the Mullineux' Roundstone property) with Grenache and a little Cinsaut. Aged in old wood, it has 50% whole bunches and plenty of acidity and structure. Dense and quite firm, with savoury, peppery tannins, it needs more time in bottle. 2019-27.