False Bay, Old School Syrah 2023

Get to know: False Bay Old School Syrah

A characterful South African red wine from the cool coastal vineyards of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.

Tasting Note

False Bay Old School Syrah is a proper old-school red with bags of personality. Deep ruby in colour with aromas of blackberry, cracked black pepper, violets, and a touch of smoked meat. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and refreshingly dry, with juicy bramble fruit, earthy spice, and a savoury edge. Fine tannins and lively natural acidity carry through to a balanced, spicy finish. Made with minimal intervention, this is honest, expressive Syrah at its best – a brilliant example of coastal South African winemaking.

Top food pairings:

• Grilled lamb chops or slow-cooked beef
• Chargrilled mushroom burgers or smoky pulled pork
• Pepperoni pizza or Mediterranean vegetable stew

Kate Says

"For anyone who wants a good value shiraz that has lots of pure fruit but isn’t too big and peppery, this is a great choice. It's makes for a great barbecue wine."

Producer Info

False Bay Vineyards, based in Stellenbosch, is the adventurous sister label of Waterkloof Wines. Led by talented winemaker Nadia Barnard, the range is all about minimal intervention and letting the grape and terroir shine. Sustainably farmed coastal bush vines bring freshness and balance to the wines, while wild yeast ferments and old oak ensure authenticity and character. Proudly WWF Biodiversity Champions and WIETA certified, they’re also committed to ethical and environmentally responsible winemaking.

How it’s made:

• Variety: 100% Syrah
• Hand-harvested from mature, coastal bush vines with naturally low yields
• Spontaneous wild yeast fermentation, including some whole-bunch
• Aged in large old wooden casks to soften without masking fruit
• Unfined, unfiltered, with only a touch of sulphur added

Good to know:

• Region: Coastal Region, South Africa
• Style: Red, still, medium-bodied
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vegan: Yes
• ABV: 14%
• Vintage: 2022

Why we love it:

This South African Syrah captures everything we love about old-school reds – dark fruit, spice, and a savoury edge, all delivered with freshness and balance. It’s versatile enough for weeknight pizza, but has the structure to stand up to grilled meats at a summer braai.