Stellenzicht Wines is located off Blaauwklippen Road in the Stellenbosch Wine Region and has recently been taken over by new owners who have rebranded the winery. The farm was established in 1692 and has produced some wonderful wines ever since.
Renowned German wine collector, Baron Hans von Staff-Reitzenstein, acquired the farm some years back and has re-launched an entire portfolio of wines in 2021.
This wine estate has been particularly famous for its Syrah. John Platter noted way back in his 1997 guide that the 1994 Stellenzicht Syrah ‘…might become the priciest, most prized modern Cape wine, ….’ and the same wine went on to win numerous international awards.
Twenty five years later and the pride and joy of the estate are the block of Syrah vineyards whose vines have been created from the original block of Syrah that produced their award-winning wines. L’Ré Hughes, the Stellenzicht wine maker, was able to clone this exceptional berry and grow vines that make the same fruit.
The history of their vines and the environment, particularly the terroir and stone age implements – Acheulean hand axes -found on the farm, are important to Stellenzicht Wines as it shows their commitment to renewal and sustainability in everything that they do.
They spent a great deal of time determining the soil types on the estate in order to plant the right varieties on the ideal site. Each of their wines is thus named for a type of rock found on the estate.
Stellenzicht Wines believe in sustainable farming as these efforts help create an eco-system that protects their fauna and flora and in particular the dragon fly that is been incorporated into their logo.
Arenite Syrah 2019
My passion of Syrah goes back to when I was a teenager with little to no knowledge of wine and when I decided that Syrah was the most romantic name for a cultivar.
Many years later I still have a love for this cultivar and enjoy every opportunity to taste its wine and the 2019 Stellenzicht Arenite Syrah was no exception.
Arenite refers to one of the major sandstone groups in which the Syrah is rooted. The area in which Stellenzicht is located enjoys relatively hot and dry climate but with cool sea breezes from False Bay in the south.
The Arenite Syrah 2019 is one of the nicest Syrah’s I have tasted in a long while. The berry fruits are dominant on both the nose and the palate with a delicious spiciness rolling off the tongue. On the whole I found it to be wholesome, fruity and with good structure.
I saved this bottle for a lamb chop dinner with my girlfriend and it went down a treat.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Stellenzicht Syrah’s versatility makes it a wonderful companion to various culinary delights and I particularly enjoyed the pairing grilled lamb chops. The wine’s robust flavors and structured tannins beautifully complement the tender and savory qualities of perfectly grilled lamb chops, creating a match made in culinary heaven.
Visit, order online or contact
Visit the Stellenzicht Wine Pod (find directions here) for a tasting or order online by clicking here.
The Stellenzicht Wine Farm is located on Upper Blaauwklippen Road in Stellenbosch. Contact them on 021 569 0362 or winepod@stellenzicht.com
Facebook: @Stellenzichtwines
Instagram: @stellenzicht
