Excelsior Syrah

Excelsior Syrah is a South African red wine from Robertson, blended with Petit Verdot and bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate has highlighted this wine as a remarkable value, noting that one "wonders how the wines can possibly be well-made, distinctively-packaged, exported to the States, and still sell" at such an accessible price point — regularly earning the distinction of "Best Buy."

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Robertson, South Africa  |  Blend: 85% Syrah, 15% Petit Verdot  |  Estate: Excelsior Estate

Production & Heritage

Excelsior Estate sits in the Robertson wine-growing region of South Africa's Western Cape, an area known for its limestone-rich soils and warm, dry climate well suited to full-bodied red varietals. The estate has a history of forward-thinking viticulture — in 1969 it became the first wine estate in South Africa to install drip irrigation, and today the property runs on 50% solar power, a rarity in the wine industry. For this Syrah, 40% of the wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for six months, adding structure and subtle wood-derived complexity without overwhelming the fruit-forward character of the blend.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with smoky, meaty notes layered over ripe blackberry and plum. Beneath the dark fruit sit traces of licorice, mint, and baking spice that build as the wine breathes.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is juicy and fruit-driven, with dark berry and cherry flavors flooding the mid-palate. As it develops, hints of chocolate, Asian spice, and freshly cracked black pepper emerge alongside subtle earthy undertones. The oak aging contributes touches of vanilla that weave through the fruit without dominating.

Finish: The finish is dry, soft, and satisfying, with lingering pepper, chocolate, and licorice trailing off at a moderate length. Tannins are well-integrated, leaving a smooth, polished impression.

How to Drink Excelsior Syrah

Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C) to let the dark fruit and spice aromatics express fully; a brief 15-minute decant opens up the smoky secondary notes. This wine's fruit intensity and balanced tannins also make it a strong base for several wine-forward drinks. A Red Wine Sangria benefits from the jammy berry core, which stands up to sliced stone fruit and citrus. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) plays off the wine's licorice and chocolate notes for a surprisingly harmonious casual serve. A simple Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water makes a refreshing warm-weather option that preserves the plum and pepper character.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled red meats or hearty pasta
• Introducing friends to South African Syrah without a premium price commitment
• Building a casual house wine rotation with reliable, food-friendly reds
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a barbecue or potluck gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Excelsior Syrah taste like? It delivers juicy dark berry and plum fruit with smoky black pepper, licorice, and touches of chocolate and vanilla. The overall profile is fruit-forward and smooth with moderate tannins and a dry, satisfying finish.

How does Excelsior Syrah compare to an entry-level Côtes du Rhône? Both are Syrah-based and share dark fruit and peppery spice, but Excelsior tends to be riper and more fruit-driven due to Robertson's warmer climate, while a typical Côtes du Rhône leans toward more herbal, garrigue-inflected savory notes. The addition of 15% Petit Verdot in Excelsior also adds a layer of color and tannic structure not typically found in Grenache-heavy Rhône blends.

Is Excelsior Syrah good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, generous fruit, and approachable price point make it an excellent gateway into full-bodied Syrah for those exploring red wine.

Where is Excelsior Syrah made? It is produced at Excelsior Estate in the Robertson wine region of South Africa's Western Cape province. Robertson is known for its warm, dry climate and lime-rich soils that favor ripe, concentrated red wines.

What foods pair well with Excelsior Syrah? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's smoky pepper notes. Beef burgers with caramelized onions echo the dark fruit sweetness. Barbecue ribs in a smoky glaze mirror the meaty aromas. Hard aged cheeses like Gouda bring out the vanilla undertones. Mushroom risotto works well with the earthy, savory side of the palate.

What sizes does Excelsior Syrah come in? Excelsior Syrah is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Excelsior Syrah worth the price? It positions firmly as a value-tier red that consistently punches above its weight class — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate has specifically called out its quality-to-price ratio as extraordinary, awarding it Best Buy recognition.

Why Excelsior Syrah?

Few wines at this price tier carry recognition from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate as an exceptional value. The 85/15 Syrah–Petit Verdot blend is distinctive for the category, with the Petit Verdot contributing additional color depth and tannic backbone that a straight Syrah at this level rarely achieves. Partial aging in both French and American oak for six months adds a layer of vanilla and spice complexity without burying the bright, jammy fruit that makes this wine immediately enjoyable. For anyone looking for an honest, well-made South African red that delivers genuine complexity at an entry-level price, Excelsior Syrah makes a compelling case.