Olifantsberg Syrah 2017

This small five-hectare winery, situated on the rocky slopes of the Olifantsberg mountain that gives its name to these wines, has been owned by the Dutch Leeuwerik family since 2003. The vineyards look out over the wide Breedekloof Valley and endure big diurnal temperature swings and strong winds throughout the year. In the summer these constant winds have a cooling effect on the vines and during winter the mountain peaks are covered in snow, keeping the vines dormant for longer. The vines grow in ancient shale, schist and sandstone-based soils with an underlying clay layer and are surrounded by Breede Shale Renosterveld vegetation that helps create a natural biodiversity. The vineyards are planted on a North Westerly aspect. This aspect ensures that the vineyards receive enough sun exposure to fully ripen its grapes. The altitudes of the vineyards range from 250m to 450m above sea level.

The Olifantsberg Syrah is grown as echalas vines (three sites) as well as trellised vines (two sites) on clay-shale rich soil with a high component of quartz rock. The Syrah plantings capture all the different aspects of the Olifantsberg mountain.