Syrah Cuvee Ameena 2019 has made it again. 5 stars Platter

 

Dorrance Wines

Housing a winery in a heritage building in central Cape Town has many challenges but also a unique and

profitable selling point for owners Christophe and Sabrina Durand. Their boutique-size venture celebrates

21 years of bottling, with increases in both the range and reputation of the wines. A maximum 5-star rating

in last year’s guide, one of five to date, counting the stunning Syrah featured here, helped grow their sales

exponentially in Mauritius, Europe and Asia, and exports currently account for 80% of production. This

includes entry-level and top-tier wines, all made in a classic, hands-off way, from widely sourced grapes.

» Syrah Cuvée Ameena ¤ ‚ Alluring dark fruit infused with white pepper in 19 Ã95 . Usual

svelte texture & rich-fruited depth, from natural ferment in 4,500L foudre & old-oak ageing 16 months.

Elegant, balanced, inherently fresh, with lingering farewell. 13% alcohol. 18 untasted.

μ Chardonnay Cuvée Anaïs Similar delicate limy flavours in 19 Ã90 from Robertson fruit &

natural ferment/11 months in old oak. Succulent, refined style, with a sweet brioche nuance, almost toasty

despite old barrels. Finishes long & clean.

μ Chenin Blanc Cuvée Kama ‚ Rich, balanced mouthfilling 20 Ã94 , similar baked apple,

almond paste & honey flavours to 18 Ã90 from natural ferment in concrete ‘egg’ (no wood). Livelier than

previous, with a clean lemony zesty thread. 19 untasted.

Not tasted: Rouge, Rosé, Blanc. — MW

Location: Cape Town • Map: Cape Peninsula • Map grid reference: B1 • WO: Western Cape/Robertson •

Est/1stB 2000 • Tasting, sales & cellar tours Mon-Fri 11-6 or by appt • Wine shop • Bouchon bistro & wine

bar Mon-Fri from 4-11, www.bouchon.co.za • Owner(s) Christophe & Sabrina Durand • Cellarmaster(s)/

winemaker(s) Christophe Durand • 11ha • 30t/4,666cs own label • Fairtrade • 95 Hout Str, Cape Town 8001 •

christophe@dorrancewines.com • www.dorrancewines.com • S 33° 55′ 12.93″ E 018° 25′ 5.99″ • Ø mimosas. T +27 (0)21-422-0695/+27 (0)83-409-7071