What is this wine?
Scions of Sinai is a small, terroir-focused project founded in 2016 by Bernhard Bredell in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Bredell farms dry-farmed, old bush vines organically on sandy granite and shale soils in the lower Helderberg, crafting low-intervention wines that emphasize purity and site. Swanesang (“swan song”) is his Syrah from a single, windswept vineyard near False Bay, made in a restrained, Northern Rhône-inspired style. The 2023 vintage was cool and balanced, yielding Syrah of elegance and energy.
Why get this wine?
This is Syrah with a sense of place: lighter, peppery, and precise, worlds away from heavy, oaky styles. With tiny production and a cult following, Bredell’s wines are highly sought after, offering incredible value compared to similarly artisanal Syrah from France or California. Swanesang is a flagship bottling that shows just how exciting South African wine can be.
What does this wine taste like?
Red and black berries, violets, and cracked black pepper, layered with olive, smoke, and stony minerality. Medium-bodied with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a savory, long finish.
When should you drink this wine?
Beautiful now with a light decant, but will age gracefully for 7–10 years. Perfect with lamb, duck, or grilled vegetables.
