Dear *|FNAME|*,

We have secured a small allocation of the exciting Minimalist Wines 2020 Stars in the Dark Syrah. Now on its 3rd release, it forms part of up-and-coming star winemaker Sam Lambson's project. The 2019 was one of only two South African wines to be selected as a Vinous Wine of the Week, with an impressive rating of 97/100.

With a particular focus on Syrah, Sam concentrates on producing regional vineyard expressions in his wines. The 2020 Stars in the Dark Syrah is sourced from three parcels planted on sandstone, shale and koffieklip. Gentle vinification makes this a cool, feminine wine of effortless balance, exuding beautiful florals, rose geranium and slow-to-evolve white pepper spice. Pure fruited on the palate, with a horizontal, saline-cut finish – the 2020 is poised and very fine indeed.

Besides Syrah, Sam also produces one-off, small-batch bottlings from interesting vineyards in the Cape. This year, he's released an Elgin Sémillon. The 2020 Experimental Blanc is particularly elegant, with white fruit, lime and hints of tangerine. The palate is citric with an attractive, lingering texture from the portion of skin contact used. It's a wonderful rendition of this Cape heritage variety. Like the Syrah above, we have very limited quantities available.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Minimalist Wines, Stars in the Dark Syrah 2020

'Fast becoming one of the most exciting Syrahs in South Africa, this 3rd release of the Stars in the Dark (from Agulhas) is made from three separate parcels on shale, clay and koffieklip soils. There is less whole-bunch in 2020 than 2019, leading to more cool, feminine notes. The 2020 explodes with lots of dark rose and violet, salty geranium and maritime notes, plus the slow-to-evolve, trademark white pepper spice. Pure fruited, there are red and black berries on the palate, and poised fruit weight. There is a wonderful white pepper spice and a horizontal, saline-cut to balance all that cool fruit. This is an accomplished wine of effortless balance.' – James Pietersen (June 2021)

Tasting notes on the 2019 vintage: 'Grown on shallow shale and koffieklip soils, Lambson included 100% stems in the blend, though they are barely noticeable as they are so seamlessly assimilated. The wine is then matured in 300 and 400-litre seasoned French oak barrels. It is blessed with a compelling, quite ethereal bouquet that does not burst from the glass, rather it reels you in with pure scents of blackberry, freshly cracked black pepper, pressed iris petals and a touch of rooibos. The 2019 takes around 30 minutes for the marine element to surface, hints of Japanese seaweed join the chorus line, getting more intense on day two. Frankly, I have encountered few South Africa wines with such delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins and a silky smooth texture. Utterly seductive from the start, it combines freshness and harmony to world-class degree. That underlying salinity becomes more prominent towards the finish that is a doppelgänger for Côte-Rôtie. Its black pepper theme lingers on the aftertaste. Re-tasting the bottle after 24 hours, there is absolutely no sign of degradation and it simply reconfirms the outstanding calibre of this sensational wine. Providing you can resist temptation, you could cellar this for at least a decade and claim that you were there (almost) from the beginning. Drink 2022-2036.' – Neal Martin, Vinous, 97/100 (March 2021)

Minimalist Wines, Experimental Blanc Sémillon 2020

'Just over a 1,000 bottles of this experimental Sémillon from the GD 1 clone were produced. Lovely lemon and lime citrus, with white fruit purity and the supporting acts of nettle, fynbos and curry leaf spice. The palate is elegant with good texture and a lingering, long and precise finish – drawing fruit, acidity and tannic grip towards a pointed close. A portion of skin contact adds a nice gravitas to the end. Delicious now, but will reward with cellaring. Impressively pure, this is a one-off, small-batch release from interesting Cape vineyards. This one is from Elgin.' – James Pietersen (June 2021)

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