A complex wine from 3 different vineyard sites. The name translates to Eternal Night given to describe its sensuality and beautiful colour. Vineyards -These parcels are situated 200 m above sea level caressed by the cooling sea breezes from the Atlantic a few kilometresaway. Rainwater is retained in the iron-rich clay and cobble soils which results in low yield and flavour concentration.The grapes were handpicked and moved to our cool room overnight. 60% were destemmed and the balance left as whole bunch. Spontaneous fermentation happened in open-top tanks and due to COVID the wine was matured for longer then usual (16 months) using 30% new French oak barrels. Amazing colour with a savoury bouquet. Black olive, spicy fruit and white pepper on the nose. Flavours of berry fruits with fine ripe tannins make this wine elegant and will ensure its longevity. It's brambly fruit and savoury spice are showing really well now, Northern Rhone meets the New World style, a touch of smoked meat too, tannins softening nicely.
"Rudi Schultz comes from a family of respected winemakers. Launching his own winery in 2002 following experience with Thelema’s Gyles Webb, he acquired a solid reputation for his maiden vintage Syrah. This signature wine is from a single vineyard, produced using 5% whole-bunch fruit then matured for 18 months in French oak barriques, 10% new. Greg Sherwood MW: Stony and restrained aromatics with impressively grippy, powerful tannins and a piquant, cassis-laden fruit backing. Quite a serious offering that will need time in bottle. Daniel Grigg: Singing, a delight of red and black fruit, a veritable embodiment of a forest walk. Roger Jones: Cocoa, perfumed, elegant and dark-fruited with evocative spice and rich fruit balanced well. Grippy and forward, this is a wine that will evolve well." 95 pts Decanter
"The best of the current line-up from this promising venture, Idun's Syrah is very much a cool climate Rhône Valley style. Ferrous and deeply coloured, it has blood and iodine aromas, good texture, sleek tannins and well-integrated 30% new oak." 93pts Tim Atkin MW South Africa 2022 Special Report
