Spirit of free creativity shines in latest offering from Franschhoek winery

The boutique Franschhoek winery Paserene’s first release of Dark – a full-bodied and broody 2018 Syrah in its Elements range – is a fine ambassador of the winemaker’s pursuit for appealing and authentic expression. Showing notes of spicy treacle, cherries, and antique leather, this Syrah was crafted from a combination of grapes grown in clay soils in Tulbagh, and sand in Franschhoek. These two renowned wine regions, together with vineyards in Elgin, are the palette from which third-generation winemaker and Paserene co-owner Martin Smith draws for his creations.