The Foundry, Syrah, 2007

The Foundry was established in 2000, the brainchild of Meerlust's winemaker Chris Williams in partnership with James Reid. Working closely with a handful of growers, fruit is sources from across the Cape to secure grapes at optimum ripeness from sites that are best suited to each variety. The overall planting ratio is 80% Syrah, 20% Viognier. Each lot of grapes is vinified separately, and great care is taken not to over-extract or manipulate the fruit. No specific recipe is followed, and both traditional and modern techniques are employed. The aim is to produce wines which the owners will enjoy drinking. The wines are vinified, bottled and matured at Meerlust Estate in Stellenbosch.

As the winery's chief focus, the goal here is a big, flavourful yet elegant wine with silky, opulent tannins, and this is achieved by degrees.