2004 Vins d'Orrance Syrah Cuvee Ameena

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Vins d'Orrance Syrah Cuvee Ameena is a beautiful red wine gem from a small vineyard on the Simonsberg Mountain in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. Born and raised in France, in a family of Calvados producers, Christophe Durand moved to Cape Town in 1995. After finding a beautiful vineyard and creating his own label, his first wine came to life as a noteworthy 2001 Syrah called "Cuvée Ameena," dedicated to his young daughter. This beautiful 2004 vintage that followed was awarded a 90-point rating from Wine Spectator.

Vins d'Orrance Syrah Cuvee Ameena was all hand-picked and racked into French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and 14 months of aging, bottled unfined and unfiltered. The wine is deep ruby in color with an aromatic nose of blackberries, dark spices, white pepper and chocolate. On the palate, this full-bodied 100% Syrah shows rich flavors of cassis, blackberry, licorice, coffee and smoky oak. It is well balanced with silky tannins and a long, smooth finish.

Enjoy Vins d'Orrance Syrah Cuvee Ameena over the next 3-4 years with pulled pork, baby back ribs, lamb stew and smoked Gouda.