In 1997, Andrew Gunn purchased the beautiful Geelbeksvlei farm located 420 meters above sea-level, overlooking the Elgin Valley. This apple and pear farm was no longer proving to be profitable, and so with the advantageous location of the farm, Andrew decided to plant vines and pursue winemaking. Its high altitude and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean results in a cool mesoclimate which has a moderating influence and results in consistent quality. Brocha Vineyards is home to ten hectares of vineyards which produce One Man Band and Solace, a fifteen-hectare conservation area of fynbos, and five hectares dedicated to pastures for a small herd of Nguni cattle. All red varietals (Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Petit Verdot) were planted in 2004 and the first vintage of red wines made in 2007. These wines became the predominant blend in Iona One Man Band and it would be another seven years before deemed worthy to make a stand-alone Syrah which was called SOLACE. 2014 was the first vintage of SOLACE and achieved a 5-star Platter debut.
Iona Solace Syrah 2021
R450.00
Region:
Tasting note:
“Layers of bramble and red berry fruit, with spicy, peppery aromas. Energetic and lightly rich palate that emphasises floral elements” – Winemaker
“Grapes for the Solace Syrah come from the organically farmed Brocha property, lower down in the Elgin Valley from the main Iona plantings and cellar. The 2021 vintage was particularly cool and hence later, the resulting wine having perhaps a little more heft than usual.
The nose shows red and black berries, white pepper and the vaguest hints of floral perfume and fynbos. The palate is broad and flavourful with well-integrated acidity and fine, supple tannins (whole-bunch fermentation amounted to just 10% and alcohol is 13.6%). As ever, it’s a wine that speaks distinctly of its origins bearing little resemblance to anything from Polkadraai Hills or Swartland.” – CE
5 in stock.
As our stock is sold through our two retail outlets and online, stock levels are provided as a guide only and are liable to change.