2022 Remhoogte - Syrah Stellenbosch Free To Be (750ml)

Remhoogte has sat in the foothills of the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch since 1994, when Murray Boustred bought the farm. His sons now run it together, with Chris in the cellar and Rob handling sales, and their winemaking approach was shaped early on by work with French viticulturalist Michel Rolland before shifting toward a lighter-touch, low-intervention style. The Free to Be range grew out of that shift, giving Chris a space to experiment outside the more structured wines the estate is traditionally known for.

This Syrah is made using a partial carbonic maceration, with about a fifth of the grapes crushed and the rest left as whole berries to ferment inside their skins, a technique that favors bright fruit and soft texture over heavy tannin. The wine then rests in concrete tank for around ten months, a neutral vessel that lets the fruit stay front and center without oak influence.

The nose is perfumed with red berries, violets, and a touch of potpourri, carrying through to a medium-bodied palate with fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a crisp, dry finish. Light and lively, it's best served with a slight chill alongside grilled sausages or a spread of cured meats.