The Journey’s End “The Griffin” Syrah 2017 is a limited-production Stellenbosch Syrah that combines concentration with finesse, showcasing the estate’s innovative approach to winemaking. Produced from just seven barrels, this wine offers both rarity and precision, with a focus on fruit purity and texture.
The nose reveals layered aromas of red and black berries, complemented by hints of smoky spice and dark fruit. On the palate, the wine is silky and expressive, with succulent fruit supported by polished tannins and a refined structure. The result is a Syrah that is both vibrant and complex, with a smooth, lingering finish that reflects careful maturation and an excellent vintage.
Approachable now yet structured for further development, this wine pairs beautifully with grilled meats, lamb, game, and smoky barbecue dishes.
The nose reveals layered aromas of red and black berries, complemented by hints of smoky spice and dark fruit. On the palate, the wine is silky and expressive, with succulent fruit supported by polished tannins and a refined structure. The result is a Syrah that is both vibrant and complex, with a smooth, lingering finish that reflects careful maturation and an excellent vintage.
Approachable now yet structured for further development, this wine pairs beautifully with grilled meats, lamb, game, and smoky barbecue dishes.
The grapes were hand harvested at midday to retain warmth and encourage the onset of carbonic fermentation. Whole bunches were placed into sealed tanks filled with carbon dioxide, allowing fermentation to occur intracellularly within the berries, enhancing fruit intensity while keeping tannin extraction low. After approximately two weeks, the grapes were pressed and the wine transferred to barrel.
The wine was matured for 18 months in a combination of 30% new American oak and 30% French oak, with the balance in older barrels, allowing for both structure and complexity. Following maturation, the final blend was filtered before bottling, resulting in a polished and expressive Syrah.
Winemaker: Leon Esterhuizen
The wine was matured for 18 months in a combination of 30% new American oak and 30% French oak, with the balance in older barrels, allowing for both structure and complexity. Following maturation, the final blend was filtered before bottling, resulting in a polished and expressive Syrah.
Winemaker: Leon Esterhuizen
In 1995 the Gabb family, originally from Shropshire, UK, fell in love with this picturesque wine farm surrounded by 20 ha of gorgeous vineyards. They are incredibly lucky to be nestled amongst the Schapenberg hills, beneath which lay 350 million year old decomposed granite soils. This creates one of the most prestigious terroirs in South Africa, and is where their vines are planted.
As well as fantastic views, the vineyards benefit from the cooling and cleansing south-easterly wind, known locally as the ‘Cape Doctor’, which comes in from nearby False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The team has always been wholly committed to being environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
As well as being WEITA and IPW accredited, Journey’s End converted to solar power in 2014 and the farm became fully Fairtrade certified from April 2017. In 2020 they received the Ethical Company award at The Drinks Business Green Awards, in recognition of Journey’s End Foundation’s work, which has provided over 1,000,000 meals to the local community. In 2021, they again received the Ethical Company award, as well as the Water Management. Early in 2021, they attained WWF Conservation Champion status, for their continued commitment to sustainable farming and conservation of native fauna and flora. They believe in drinking well, while truly being a force for good.
As well as fantastic views, the vineyards benefit from the cooling and cleansing south-easterly wind, known locally as the ‘Cape Doctor’, which comes in from nearby False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The team has always been wholly committed to being environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
As well as being WEITA and IPW accredited, Journey’s End converted to solar power in 2014 and the farm became fully Fairtrade certified from April 2017. In 2020 they received the Ethical Company award at The Drinks Business Green Awards, in recognition of Journey’s End Foundation’s work, which has provided over 1,000,000 meals to the local community. In 2021, they again received the Ethical Company award, as well as the Water Management. Early in 2021, they attained WWF Conservation Champion status, for their continued commitment to sustainable farming and conservation of native fauna and flora. They believe in drinking well, while truly being a force for good.
