Bellingham Wine Estate
The Bernard Series Basket Press Syrah 2022 - Bellingham
The Bernard Series Basket Press Syrah 2022 - Bellingham
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Bernard Series Basket Press Syrah - Bellingham
OVERVIEW
📍 Coastal Region · 100% Syrah
From Stellenbosch and Darling
14 months in French oak and foudre
Why we like it
This Syrah focuses on elegance rather than power. Grapes from two complementary terroirs and partial whole-bunch fermentation result in a complex, spicy, and refined wine, inspired by the great Syrahs of the Rhône Valley.
Wine Profile
The bouquet expresses raspberry, blackcurrant, and small red berries, accompanied by black pepper, Mediterranean herbs, fynbos, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it is precise and dynamic, with fine, chalky tannins, crisp fruit, and a long finish where spices, freshness, and balsamic notes blend with great balance.
The Bellingham Signature
The grapes come from the cool southern slopes of Polkadraai (Stellenbosch) and the dry-farmed vineyards of Darling, two areas that provide elegance and concentration, respectively. 40% of the grapes undergo whole-bunch fermentation, a technique that enhances aromatic complexity and freshness. The 14-month aging combines French barriques and large foudres, preserving the varietal character without excessive oak influence.
Food Pairing
Perfect with beef fillet, venison, duck confit, spicy sausages, roast lamb, and grilled meats.
Serving
Serve at 16-18°C in a large glass. Decanting for about an hour is recommended.
Do you like this style?
Discover other South African Syrahs selected by Cape Best or other wines from Bellingham.
Technical Data
Cork: natural
Alcohol: 13.82%
Residual sugar: 2.3 g/l
Total acidity: 5.43 g/l
pH: 3.52
Origin
Origin
Wine of Origin Coastal Region, South Africa.
In the vineyard
In the vineyard
The grapes come 85% from Stellenbosch (Polkadraai) and 15% from Darling, two of South Africa's most renowned areas for Syrah. The south-facing vineyards of Stellenbosch ensure a slow maturation that preserves freshness and spicy aromas, while the cool, dry climate of Darling promotes small berries rich in concentration and intensity.
In the cellar
In the cellar
40% of the grapes ferment as whole bunches in open concrete tanks, while the remaining part ferments in stainless steel and concrete with gentle extractions. After malolactic fermentation, the wine ages for 14 months using 25% new French barriques, 45% second, third and fourth-pass barriques, and 30% large foudres, achieving a perfect balance of fruit, spice, and elegance.
Awards
Awards
Diners Platter's: 4.5/5 stars;
Veritas: Gold;
James Suckling: 93 points;
Tim Atkin: 92/100;
Hong Kong IWSC: Bronze;
International Wine Challenge: Bronze;
Decanter: 89/100.
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