Doran Vineyards Íosa Syrah 2024 Voor Paardeberg, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa 75cl

Doran Vineyards is a boutique estate in the Voor Paardeberg, a warm inland stretch of the Cape near Paarl where the Swartland begins. Founded by Irish-born Edwin Doran in 2010 and now led by his son Tom, it makes hand-nurtured wines with a clear artisan streak, farming its own vineyards alongside cattle, sheep and native fynbos.

Íosa is the estate’s take on Côte-Rôtie, the great northern Rhône style where Syrah is lifted by a small aromatic partner co-fermented in the tank. Here it is Syrah at heart, made in older oak to let perfume and freshness lead rather than power. It is the more adventurous, expressive red in the Doran range, and proof the team likes to play.

The 2024 growing season began with a wet, cold winter and moved into a warm, dry, windy summer that kept disease at bay and pushed ripening along. Yields were down, but the reds are prized for their mix of power and freshness. For a wine built on lift and energy like this one, that balance is exactly what you want.

The nose leads with crunchy black cherry and blackberry, then opens into violets, a leafy green edge and cracked pepper. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, tannins fine and smooth, with real drive from the acidity. It finishes long and savoury. Serve with grilled lamb, herby sausages or roasted vegetables, and enjoy over the next four or five years.

Jamie Goode of Wineanorak rated the 2024 the pick of the range at 91 points, praising its sweet fruit and floral aromatics. If you love a fragrant, cool-styled Syrah, whether from the northern Rhône or the Cape’s new wave, this speaks the same language at a very fair price. One for curious drinkers and relaxed dinners with friends.