Kottabos Grenache Syrah Stellenbosch 2022 750ml

ABOUT Kottabos is a Greek drinking game of the highest skill – where after many glasses of wine one elegantly flings the leftover lees from naturally unfiltered wine toward predetermined targets in the room with fellow drinking friends. The relaxed nature of the game by performing its skillful task while still seated at the communal dining table made for great fodder. Kottabos – in the case of this wine – is a small side project from Reenen Borman of Boschkloof, meant to capture a more experimental style than his Boschkloof label. The majority of the fruit for the 2022 vintage comes from non-estate fruit, though the Syrah portion (20% of the blend) comes from the Boschkloof Estate in the Polkadraai Hills. The Grenache was handpicked Skilpadvlei Vineyard in the Polkadraai Hills and the Syrah came from the Boschkloof Estate. The grapes fermented in separate picking bins. The Grenache was fermented entirely whole-bunch, while the Syrah was entirely de-stemmed. After 12 days on the skins, the lots were pressed individually, and the Grenache aged in concrete while the Syrah aged in old oak. After 10 months, the wines were racked and blended then bottled without fining or filtration and only a small dose of SO2. DATA Grapes: 80% Grenache - 20% Syrah Vineyard: Skilpadvlei Vineyard (Grenache) - Boschkloof Estate (Syrah) Vine Age: Average: 20-years-old Soil Type: Weathered granite Viticulture: Practicing Organic Fermentation: Native – picking bins (Grenache: 100% whole-cluster - Syrah: 100% de-stemmed) Skin Contact: 12 days Aging: 10 months in concrete (Grenache) and old French oak (Syrah) Alcohol: 13.5% pH: 3.59 Total Acidity: 5.4 g/L Total SO2: 85 ppm Total Production: 1,000 cases UPC: 0700083660480 TASTING NOTE This wine presents a perfumed nose of red and black fruits, fynbos, and subtle white pepper, accompanied by a touch of earth. On the palate, a luxurious juiciness intertwines with fresh acidity, while grippy tannins add structure. The dance of these elements, coupled with evolving spice notes, delivers a wine that is both immediately enjoyable and intricately complex.