Description
Holden Manz Reserve Syrah 2020 is a Franschhoek red built in a darker, more savory register, with the kind of structure and spice that invites comparison with Northern Rhône styles such as Cornas or Hermitage. This is not a soft, easygoing Syrah. It leans into concentration, floral lift, peppery detail, and a firm architectural frame, making it especially appealing for drinkers who prefer Syrah with real presence and cellar intent.
The nose opens with savory notes, dried violet, wild strawberry, cinnamon, and nutmeg, giving the wine both aromatic lift and a sense of depth from the outset. On the palate, bold dark fruit takes over, layered with black pepper and further spice, while rounded tannins give the wine shape without making it feel coarse. There is plenty of power here, but the wine stays composed through a long, persistent finish. It would pair especially well with roast lamb, venison, grilled beef, or slow-cooked dishes where its savory spice and dark fruit can settle naturally into the richness of the food.
Already impressive, this is a Syrah that should reward decanting now and continue to develop well over the coming years.
The nose opens with savory notes, dried violet, wild strawberry, cinnamon, and nutmeg, giving the wine both aromatic lift and a sense of depth from the outset. On the palate, bold dark fruit takes over, layered with black pepper and further spice, while rounded tannins give the wine shape without making it feel coarse. There is plenty of power here, but the wine stays composed through a long, persistent finish. It would pair especially well with roast lamb, venison, grilled beef, or slow-cooked dishes where its savory spice and dark fruit can settle naturally into the richness of the food.
Already impressive, this is a Syrah that should reward decanting now and continue to develop well over the coming years.
Hand-selected bunches of the most concentrated, ripe Syrah were cold macerated over an extended period before barrel fermentation. Thirty percent of the fruit was fermented as whole bunches using wild yeast in 500L French oak barrels, adding aromatic lift, spice, and structural complexity.
The wine then matured for 24 months in the same barrels, with 70% aged in second- and third-fill 225L French oak barrels, allowing the fruit and savory detail to remain in focus while building texture and depth.
Winemaker: Thierry Haberer
The wine then matured for 24 months in the same barrels, with 70% aged in second- and third-fill 225L French oak barrels, allowing the fruit and savory detail to remain in focus while building texture and depth.
Winemaker: Thierry Haberer
Named after owners Gerard Holden and Migo Mans, this Franschhoek property was originally developed into a wine farm in 1999. Located in the southernmost corner of the Franschhoek Valley, embraced by its spectacular mountains, the 22-hectare Holden Manz Wine Estate is nestled between the Franschhoek River and Stony Brook at 300 meters above sea level. Today, it is a lifestyle destination, featuring a five-star guest house and spa, a restaurant, picnics by the Franschhoek River, and an art collection housed in the town.
An exclusive grower of red grapes, the estate cultivates only its top 16 hectares under vineyards, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Merlot, resulting in the production of ultra-premium wines crafted for the discerning wine connoisseur.
An exclusive grower of red grapes, the estate cultivates only its top 16 hectares under vineyards, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Merlot, resulting in the production of ultra-premium wines crafted for the discerning wine connoisseur.
