Bros Little J Red 2024

Myburgh Bros Little J Red 2024 is the sort of red wine that doesn't require a special occasion, a decanter or a lengthy discussion about tannin structure. Open it, pour it, enjoy it. Made by brothers Tyrrel and Philip Myburgh of Joostenberg, Little J is a juicy, medium-bodied Paarl red built around Syrah and Cinsault, with small portions of Mourv*dre, Touriga Nacional and Grenache Noir.

The 2024 is deliberately bottled young to retain its bright, fresh and extremely drinkable character. Fruit comes from vineyards in the south-western part of Paarl, planted on decomposed granite and clay-shale soils. Most are dry-farmed and all the grapes are harvested by hand. Tasting Notes Colour: Bright ruby red with youthful purple highlights.

Nose: Loads of fresh cherry and plum, followed by pepper, dried herbs and gentle spice. Palate: Juicy and medium-bodied with vibrant red and dark fruit, soft tannins and plenty of freshness. The Syrah brings plum and spice, while the large Cinsault component keeps everything fragrant, lively and remarkably easy-going.

Finish: Fresh, savoury and mouth-watering, with lingering cherry, plum and spice. The producer's description of it as extremely drinkable pretty much nails the brief. Technical Details Producer: Myburgh Bros / JoostenbergVintage: 2024Origin: Paarl, Western Cape, South AfricaStyle: Dry Red BlendBlend: 56% Syrah, 37% Cinsault, 3% Mourv*dre, 3% Touriga Nacional, 1% Grenache NoirSoils: Decomposed granite & clay shaleHarvest: Hand harvestedWhole Bunch: 30%Fermentation: Small open-top and stainless-steel tanksMaturation: 10 months in seasoned oak barrels & stainless steelFiltration/Stabilisation: MinimalABV: 13%Residual Sugar: 2.6g/LpH: 3.62Total Acidity: 4.8g/LBottle Size: 750ml