Savage Wines `Are We There Yet`

Savage Wines Are We There Yet: A Wild Journey Through Malgas

Savage Wines Are We There Yet is a bold but beautifully controlled South African red, bringing together the dark fruit and floral character of Touriga Nacional with the peppery freshness of Syrah. It has real depth and structure, but this is no oversized blockbuster. Bright acidity and a distinctly savoury, mineral character keep everything focused, making it a fascinating bottle for anyone who enjoys serious Rhône or Mediterranean-inspired reds.

The playful name refers to the long journey from Duncan Savage’s urban winery in Salt River, Cape Town, to the remote vineyards of Malgas. The fruit comes from bush vines growing on the Sijnn estate beside the Breede River, where the rocky soils are strewn with rounded river stones. It is an unusual and rugged site that gives the finished wine both concentration and a distinctive saline quality.

The 2024 vintage combines 57% Syrah with 43% Touriga Nacional. Around 10% of the Syrah is fermented as whole bunches, bringing additional perfume, freshness and spice. Following approximately two weeks on the skins, the grapes are gently basket pressed and the wine matures for ten months in seasoned 500-litre French oak barrels. The older oak develops texture without covering the fruit in obvious woody flavours.

Dark plum, blackberry and blueberry lead the way, accompanied by violets, black pepper and aromatic Cape herbs. Given a little time in the glass, more savoury notes of black olive, liquorice and crushed stone begin to appear. The palate is concentrated and medium to full-bodied, with energetic acidity and firm, crunchy tannins. There is plenty of ripe fruit, yet the finish remains dry, peppery and satisfyingly mineral.

It is already expressive with food, although its structure suggests that it will become even more harmonious with a few years in bottle. If opening it young, decanting for an hour will help the fruit and floral aromas unfold.

Savage Wines Are We There Yet Food Pairing Suggestion:

Serve it with slow-roasted lamb shoulder rubbed with rosemary and garlic, grilled venison sausages or beef short ribs with a peppery glaze. For a meat-free option, try charred aubergine with harissa and yoghurt, or a rich mushroom, tomato and black olive stew. These deeply savoury flavours complement the wine’s dark fruit, herbs and firm tannins beautifully.

About Savage Wines Are We There Yet:

• A blend of 57% Syrah and 43% Touriga Nacional from Malgas.
• Fermented with 10% whole-bunch Syrah and basket pressed.
• Matured for ten months in seasoned 500-litre French oak barrels.
• Serve at around 16–18°C and consider decanting when young.