Rall AVA Syrah 2025

The Rall AVA Syrah 2025 is the flagship red wine from acclaimed Swartland winemaker Donovan Rall, produced from an exceptional single vineyard planted on schist soils near Riebeeksrivier. Named after Donovan's daughter, Ava, this limited-production Syrah has rapidly established itself as one of South Africa's most sought-after wines, celebrated for its remarkable purity, elegance and age-worthiness.

Crafted using predominantly whole-bunch fermentation and a minimalist approach in the cellar, AVA Syrah expresses its unique terroir with extraordinary precision. Rather than relying on excessive extraction or oak influence, it focuses on vibrant fruit, savoury complexity, floral aromatics and a striking mineral backbone. The result is a Syrah of Rhône-like finesse that continues to earn praise from critics around the world.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep ruby with vibrant purple highlights.

Nose: Highly perfumed aromas of violets, lavender and fynbos intertwine with blackberries, blueberries and dark cherries. Layers of cracked black pepper, olive tapenade, smoked herbs and graphite add impressive complexity.

Palate: Elegant yet intensely concentrated. Juicy black fruits and red berries are supported by fine-grained tannins and vibrant natural acidity. Savoury notes of black olive, liquorice, thyme and subtle spice are beautifully balanced by a distinctive schist-derived minerality, creating a wine of exceptional precision and length.

Finish: Long, refined and beautifully persistent with lingering dark fruit, floral perfume, white pepper and mineral freshness.

Awards & Accolades

Although the 2025 vintage is still too recent to have received major published ratings, previous vintages have established AVA Syrah as one of South Africa's benchmark Syrahs:

• 2024 Vintage: 97 Points – Tim Atkin MW
• 2023 Vintage: 98 Points – Tim Atkin MW; 96 Points – James Suckling
• Consistently recognised among South Africa's elite Syrahs in the South African Wine Classification.

Technical Details

• Producer: Rall Wines
• Winemaker: Donovan Rall
• Region: Swartland, South Africa
• Wine of Origin: Swartland
• Variety: 100% Syrah
• Vineyard: Single vineyard on schist soils
• Vinification: Predominantly whole-bunch fermentation
• Maturation: Matured in seasoned French oak to preserve purity and terroir expression
• Alcohol: Approximately 13%
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Closure: Natural cork