Some wine producers believe that music is good for the vines and helps to create better wine. DeMorgenzon in Stellenbosch, South Africa is one of those believers. They play baroque music 24 hours a day in their vineyards. They do so to, as they say, “positively influence the ripening process.”
I don’t know if it’s the music or something else, but the makers of this wine got something right.
The producers, Wendy and Hylton Appelbaum who bought the estate in 2003, used climate science and data to select the ideal locations in their property for each variety of grape they grow, rootstock, spacing, direction, etc. They also employ sustainable practices in their vineyards.
Whether it’s the music, the science, the agriculture, the winemaking or something else, they got something right. They made some delicious syrah.
The nose is nicely spiced with nutmeg and leather aromatics layered over red raspberry, salami and licorice. The palate brings bright red fruit flavors, such as raspberry, cherry and plum. The acidity is spot on and the tannins add just enough texture to make this wine smooth. It has a touch of spicy kick to it too, particularly moving into the peppery finish. This is a very tasty and fun syrah.
Wine: DeMorgenzon DMZ Syrah
Variety: Syrah
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 14.5%
Rating: 88
Price: $14.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.
Find DeMorgenzon DMZ Syrah with Snooth