For the past four years, brothers Mark and Bobby Wallace have embarked on a joint venture, crafting their own wine project. What initially began as an endeavor to create braai wines for themselves and friends has blossomed into a new label, driven by their quest to discover unique vineyard sites. The inaugural release under their Off the Record label is an Elgin Chenin Blanc, a rare gem given the scarcity of Chenin Blanc vineyards in the region. However, starting from the 2022 vintage, Bobby has taken the reins individually, expanding the range to include a high-altitude Syrah from the Ceres plateau.
The Syrah grapes selected for this wine are sourced from a truly extraordinary site, a small parcel nestled in a unique location. Situated on the awe-inspiring Ceres Plateau, this vineyard sits at an astonishing altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, a remarkable setting where the vines are often blanketed in snow during the winter months.
To preserve the purity of the fruit, the wine undergoes 100% whole-bunch fermentation, a meticulous process that ensures every grape contributes its distinct character. Following fermentation, the wine matures in 4th fill French oak barrels for a period of 10 months, allowing for integration and gentle enhancement.
In the glass, the wine showcases a deep red hue. The nose entices with an alluring medley of white pepper, violets, and a fusion of red and black berries. On the palate, an appealingly juicy entrance unfolds, revealing a medley of dark fruits, white pepper, and the presence of fine, understated tannins. This wine is fantastic in its youth, displaying its vibrant flavours, yet it is also built to age gracefully, rewarding those with the self-control to wait and savour its evolving complexities over time.