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Old Mates Syrah 2025
Grape Type Pronunciation: "sih-rah"
Primary flavours
Black Cherry
Dark Raspberry
Raspberry
Red Cherry
Bacon Fat
Black Pepper
Charcoal
Dark Chocolate
Jasmine
Olives
Details
Syrah (aka Shiraz) is a mainstay of the South African wine industry. Although internationally overlooked by grapes like Pinotage and Cinsault, it has a unique character that is not to be missed! With a medium body and dark balck cherry aromas, this is slinky and svelte. Look for olive, bacon, blueberry and pepper as the main flavours - delicious.

It's back! After visiting South Africa in 2018 to find exceptional wines to bring back to Australia, the most exciting discovery was finding an Australian making wine in Stellenbosch with his South African wife. Their wines, under the Craven label, are unique expressions of special vineyards in South Africa, and these wines are so so great. Mick and Jeanine met in 2007 while both working harvest in Sonoma, California. After bonding and then finishing their degrees, they decided to hit the road, see lots of things, work in lots of places and try and learn as much as possible from this massive wine world. Harvests in different regions in different countries eventually led them back to Stellenbosch, South Africa in 2011. They love this part of the world, and want nothing more than to express the area through their wines - let the grapes do the talking....
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Specs
Region
Stellenbosch
country
South Africa
Grape type
Syrah
Wine Maker
Craven Wines
Alcohol
12.5%
Vintage
2025
Cellar period
3-5 years
Closure
Cork (Natural)
Production method
Sustainably Made
Temperature
Room Temperature 15°C-18°C
Pairing guide
The 2025 Old Mates Syrah from Stellenbosch is a richly textured and peppery red that calls out for bold, flavour-packed food. Think grilled lamb chops with rosemary, smoky barbecue pork ribs, or a spicy beef tagine - its dark fruit, subtle spice, and fine tannins cut through richness while amplifying savoury depth. It also works brilliantly with hearty Mediterranean fare like moussaka or char-grilled eggplant, and pairs beautifully with aged cheeses (think Gouda or Manchego) to balance its structure and fruit intensity.
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Food
Venison
Veal
Sirloin Steak
Rustic French Cuisine
Steak Tartare
Tastes
Earthy
Fruity
Unique
Moods
Adventurous
Excited
Creative
Seasons
Autumn
Spring
Recipe Matches
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Wine region
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s premier wine regions, located in the Western Cape, outside Cape Town. In South Africa, wine regions are known as winelands. Stellenbosch has a winemaking history dating back to the 17th century - the mountainous terrain, good rainfall, deep well-drained soils and diversity of terroirs make this a sought-after viticultural area. The wineland itself is known for high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay as well as the local speciality, Pinotage.
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