Critics Ratings

2015:
'Released after 2016, 2015 held back for extended oak ageing (30 months) to allow for evolution. Still not short of power & structure in its syrah-led mix with touriga, cinsaut & grenache, whose sweetly spiced, elegant fruit will easily bide time needed to harmonise. Open fermenters for reds, 50% whole bunches unless noted. Old oak, various sizes. Unfined.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2019, 4.5* (93/100)

‘The 2015 Savage Red is actually being released after the 2016 and marks the last release in this style, according to Duncan Savage, as the 2017 will be 100% Syrah and will move toward Stellenbosch, from 2018 tapping the vineyard purchased by Johan Reyneke adjacent to his own estate (also shared with Mark Kent of Boekenhoutskloof.) It has an extravagant bouquet, quite showy and generous, with more red fruit than black, offering wild strawberry and cranberry and hints of dried prune and incense. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin, quite tight and surprisingly savory at the moment, delivering nice grip on the finish and a ferrous aftertaste. Excellent.’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100 (Aug 2018)

2016:
‘Duncan Savage has released his 2016 before his 2015 because the latter is “so tight”. This assemblage of mostly Stellenbosch Syrah with Grenache, Cinsaut and Touriga Nacional, fermented with 10% whole bunches, is certainly more forward and easy to drink, with violet and rose petal aromas, slightly jammy fruit and some clove spice and underlying grip. 2019-23’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 93/100

'Mostly Stellenbosch grapes for 2016 shiraz (88%) & dashes grenache, cinsaut (no touriga this vintage). Similar ‘feminine’ styling & perfumed white pepper of 2014 (90 pts). No 2015. Open fermenters for the reds, 10% whole cluster unless noted; wild yeasts for all.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (93/100)

‘Dense and spicy with powerful fruit and finely sculpted tannic feel. Chewy and refreshing with lovely fresh acidic balance.’ - Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5+/20 (Jun 2018)

2017:
‘The 2017 Red is pure Syrah with 50% whole-bunch fruit, matured for 11 months in 600-liter barrels. Quite deep in color, it has a backward nose at first, one that gradually unfurls to reveal black fruit infused with melted tar and truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and well-judged acidity, and velvety-smooth with great depth on the white pepper and fynbos-tinged finish. Outstanding.’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 95/100 (Oct 2019)

'2017 all syrah (2016 (4.5 stars, 93 pts) & previous syrah-led blends). Ripe, concentrated; many layers in its spice, soft berry & savoury notes; all balanced, focused by lively ripe tannins, overall freshness. Already appetising, but future rewards. Wholebunch ferment, large-oak matured, none new.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2009, 5* (95/100)

‘Syrah. Mid to deep crimson. Beautifully balanced nose with lots of interesting grace notes. Briary and juicy with both acid and tannin. Still quite youthful.’ - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5+/20 (Sep 2019)

‘Richer, with a corduroy mouthfeel, revealing layers of blackberry, plum sauce, tobacco and juniper. Shows firm tannins and ample depth, with great focus coming from vibrant acidity, adding to the complexity. Put this in the cellar for several years until all the elements blend. Best from 2023 through 2035.’ - Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Apr 2020)

2018:
‘All Syrah, ’18 full of joie de vivre; crackles with heady pepper spice, lilies, great energy, concentration in its sweet, supple fruit, zesty tannin trim. Bit leaner than ’17, just as delicious now & time to go.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2021, 5* (95/100)

‘Weathered granite soils in one of the best spots in Stellenbosch for Syrah supply the grapes for this delicious red, made in a style that nods enthusiastically towards the northern Rhône. White pepper and lavender aromas lead you into a palate that's focused, spicy and intense, with extra structure and complexity from 50% whole bunches. 2023-30’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 95/100

'The 2018 Red Savage, made with 50% whole bunch, is matured in 500-liter French oak for the first year and foudres for the second. It has a sublime bouquet of brambly red fruit, sous-bois and light sea spray scents that gradually gain intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins. Quite dense and weighty in the mouth, leading to a ferrous finish that just needs to develop finesse and precision. Two bottles were tasted; in the second I discerned a little more nuance and edge.’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100 (Apr 2021)

‘Made from Syrah this year, the 2018 Proprietary Red is dark ruby colored at the core and has a nose that is unmistakably Syrah. Wafting with juicy scents of blackberry and black plum over black peppercorn, the nose expresses hints of sweet tobacco, olive and smoked salami in the glass. The medium-bodied wine is classic and pleasurable on the palate with ripe flavors of juicy plum and black cherry skin over fresh cracked pepper flavors before displaying gripping tannins across the mid-palate. The wine concludes with a long, drawn-out finish that leaves me craving fire-roasted meats from the grill. It's simply delicious.’ - Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 91/100 (Feb 2021)

2019:
‘Different oaking regime, 22 months combo barrel & foudre, 2019 syrah from Stellenbosch 70% whole cluster, long skin contact. Red fruit, lavender top note, the sweet-savoury spice fitting the personality perfectly. Plush texture but tannins perceptible as an ageing platform.’ – Platter's SA Wine Guide 2022, 5* (96/100)

‘The Savage Red started life as a blend, but is now a single site Syrah from granite soils in Kuils River. Fermented with 20% whole bunches, it shows the freshness and perfume that are typical of the winery's style. Very lightly wooded, with fynbos and clove aromas, lots of grip and black olive and blackberry flavours. 2023-32’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 95/100

‘An intriguing red, medium- to full-bodied, with flashes of mesquite smoke, hoisin and five-spice forming a fragrant, savory thread that winds through notes of baked black plum and fig, eucalyptus, tea rose and fresh, loamy earth. Delivers dense, fine-grained tannins that are tightly meshed to the flavor range. Fresh, with good focus and length. Let this unfold in the glass or with short-term aging. Best from 2025 through 2030.’ - Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Aug 2022)

2020:
‘The Savage Red is now a varietal Syrah from a vineyard on decomposed granite in Kuils River, right next door to the Polkadraai Hills. Peppery, pure and intense, with no new oak to occlude the flavours, lots of plum and blackberry fruit, detailed tannins and a stony, refreshing finish. Brilliant winemaking. 2023-32’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2022, 96/100

‘Different oaking regime, 22 months combo barrel & foudre, 2020 syrah from Stellenbosch 50% whole cluster, long skin contact. Rich depth of fruit, well spiced, there’s concentration & complexity, demands to be taken seriously. Savoury tannins, firm but ripe, will ensure a distinguished future, don’t be in a hurry.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2023, 5* (95/100)

‘The 2020 Savage Red is 100% Syrah on decomposed granitic soil from 7.5-hectares of trellised bush vines managed by Duncan Savage. Matured in used 500-litre barrels for 12 months and 10 months in foudres. This has a highly floral, rose petal and rooibos-scented nose, very well defined and surfeit with personality, light tertiary scents emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip, granular in texture, dusky black fruit laced with black pepper and sage, structured with wonderful freshness on the Côte-Rôtie like finish. Superb.’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 94/100 (Aug 2022)

‘This rich red shows seamless integration, effortlessly layering fine, chewy tannins and lively acidity with flavors of crushed black cherry, plum sauce, bay leaf and subtle minerally hints of hot stone, iron and fresh earth. Long and poised on the spiced finish. Syrah. Drink now through 2030.’ - Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (May 2023)

Provenance

Producer