Description
RED CELLAR TRIO WINE CLUB SELECTION
Brookdale Estate Winery was founded in 2015 by UK-born proprietor Tim Rudd, who purchased a neglected wine farm in the Paarl region of South Africa. Rudd's vision was to restore the land with a focus on sustainability, revitalize existing heritage vines, and plant new ones with a mix of unusual varietals. The estate is now known for its high-quality wines, sustainable practices, and luxury accommodations. Winemaking operations are led by Kiara Scott Farmer, a Black female winemaker, who became the youngest female head winemaker in South Africa when she accepted the position. Kiara has gone on to win Winemaker of the Year in South Africa, 2024. Brookdale Estate uses a combination of regenerative and minimal-intervention farming, focusing on sustainability through practices like reducing synthetic inputs, clearing alien vegetation, and planting indigenous species to restore biodiversity. In the vineyards, they employ vintage-specific techniques and experiment with various methods like whole-bunch pressing, foot stomping, and diverse fermentation vessels. Sustainability efforts also include rainwater collection and solar energy.
The MASON ROAD is 100% Syrah, a small percentage of the bunches were kept whole-cluster; the rest were destemmed, and the stalks were then dried in the hot Paarl sun for two days, before they were added back to the ferment for the duration, which helps to impart the delightful savory side notes, without being overbearing. The wine was aged in used, large barrels helping tame the rugged young Syrah tannins. Bright flavors of blackberry and cassis, beautifully done—plays as a northern Rhône.
