Albert drives up to 40,000km every year between a plethora of vineyards in the Cape, sourcing only the very best grapes for his growing range of tiny-batch wines. One of the early voices of the Swartland revolution while winemaker at Lammershoek, Albert has remained quietly and confidently under the radar building his own projects, while also working abroad in Priorat, the Rhône valley and Champagne.
This wine's name refers to the "black land", or Swartland. Albert couldn't call it "Black" because it's a generic colour, so he originally left it out and it's officially called "Ahrens Family Red", but with a plain black label. The original name has stuck, even if not officially! A Rhône-style blend from several top notch vineyards in the Swartland, naturally fermented and matured in old 225-litre tight-grain French oak barrels for 12 months. Dark, brooding nose, spice, unexpected lightness of touch, silky soft, so easy-going for a red this young! Blackberries, dark olives and raspberries intermingle with fynbos and black pepper. Quite brilliant. Just 3,000 bottles made. 

 

Swartland | SOUTH AFRICA

Syrah 70% | Carignan 10% | Grenache 10% | Cinsault 8% | Marsanne 1% | Roussanne 1%