Minimalist Wines Stars in the Dark 2021 - Bt | NM94

Tasting note

The 2021 Syrah Stars In The Dark comes from two parcels, one on clay and the other on Koffieklip soil, matured for 10 months in neutral 228 and 300-litre Ooak barrels. Winemaker Sam Lambson told me that he is seeking to express the rotundone element of the variety, essentially the "peppery" element. It certainly comes across here with lovely red berry fruit, white pepper, fennel and thyme. It's quite understated with a degree of transparency. That theme follows through on the palate that is beautifully balanced with fine tannins, elegant red fruit mixed with thyme and black olive, the latter imparting salinity that begs you back for another sip. Wonderful.

Score: 94

Neal Martin, Vinous.com, September 2022