At Waterford Estate, Shiraz and Syrah represent more than just two names for the same grape. It is a link between the old wine world and the new wine world. From the bold, oak-driven intensity of Shiraz to the elegant, restrained expression of Syrah, we have utilised our freedom to create wines that best showcase the quality of our vineyard.
A vineyard-driven philosophy
Our approach to Shiraz begins in the vineyard. Each block is planted and nurtured with the understanding of how it will contribute to the final wine, but to truly understand the character of each block we crafted each block into its own wine in our Library Collection:
In 2017 we crafted the Pebble Hill Shiraz and the Spring Vineyard Shiraz. These single-block wines highlight the influence that the terroir has on the profile of Shiraz. These two vineyards sit less than fifty metres apart and produce vastly different styles of wine, the Pebble Hill Vineyard sits higher up the mountain with row directions running from East to West, taking advantage of the prevailing coastal wind to cool the vineyard down creating a more perfumed and smoother wine. The Spring Vineyard sits lower down the mountain with row directions running from North to South, catching as much sun as possible from the morning to the afternoon and warming the vineyard considerably and this creates spicier wines with a more robust structure.
In 2020 our winemaking team experimented with whole bunch fermentation for what was to become our Pebble Hill Single Vineyard Syrah. Whole bunch fermentation is a process where the bunches are left intact, and fermentation occurs with the stems in place. This process lifts the fruit aromatics and further refines the tannin structure in the wine.
A new world, old world approach
The Kevin Arnold Shiraz 2020 is a prime example of our philosophy. Named after our first winemaker, this wine reflects decades of refinement and a passing down of hard-earned knowledge from one generation to the next. Crafted in more of a Syrah-inspired style, it offers vibrant fruit, a balanced structure, and a seamless integration of oak that highlights the vineyard’s natural expression.
South Africa’s lack of rigid winemaking rules allows the Kevin Arnold Shiraz to embrace a dual identity of a New World wine that respects Old World traditions. This freedom enables us to call the wine a shiraz while crafting it in more of a Syrah style, leaning into our vineyard-forward mentality. This nuanced approach allows the terroir of the Helderberg Mountain to shine, creating a wine of balance and depth.
The difference between Shiraz and Syrah is rooted in their stylistic origins. Shiraz typically reflects the bold and fruit-forward style of the New World, with a heavier influence of oak imparting rich vanilla, spice and tannin. Syrah, by contrast, is crafted in the Old-World tradition, with a focus on subtle structure, elegance, and subtlety often achieved through a restrained use of oak.
The 2020 Kevin Arnold Shiraz and Library Collection Pebble Hill Single Vineyard Syrah earned impressive 4.5-star ratings in the 2025 Platter’s Wine Guide, demonstrating our s ability to honour tradition while innovating within the South African context.
We invite enthusiasts to explore the duality of Shiraz and Syrah through the Kevin Arnold Shiraz 2020 and Library Collection Syrah 2020. These wines exemplify our dedication to crafting wines that honour both the vineyard and the cellar.
To enjoy these wines at home or to learn more about our Shiraz/Syrah program, please contact chris@waterfordestate.co.za.