Dark Leap embodies pure audacity. A red blend that breaks the rules. We work with committed growers across the Western Cape who farm remarkable single vineyards. Each site chosen for its unique voice. Each variety selected to push boundaries.

We source Syrah and Carignan from granite hillsides in Breedekloof. Grenache from a single vineyard in Stellenbosch. A touch of perfumed Cinsaut to tie it all together. Mediterranean varieties, thriving in South Africa's wild terroir. Everything happens in small lots to preserve character. Three separate picks for the Syrah with varying whole bunch percentages. Split fermentations for the Carignan. Native yeasts drive the process. We step back and let each vineyard sing its own song before conducting the final blend.

The result is electric. Dark fruit intensity meets savoury spice and granite-driven minerality. Fresh acidity from those cool mountain slopes. Tannins that grip without overwhelming. This is a wine of energy and movement - never static, always evolving in the glass.

Tasting Notes: Incredibly perfumed, featuring lavender, white flowers, glacé red cherries, cranberry, and saline hints. Medium-bodied with concentrated bright red cherry and currant fruits, underpinned by tangy, electric acidity. Silky-soft, powdery tannins with a long, mouthwatering finish. A "weightless," elegant, yet complex and energetic red blend. 

“Rudger van Wyk’s maiden red release from his New Dawn project is a tantalising Southern Rhone-style red blend of 58% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 17% Grenache and 5% Cinsault. A vibrant bright cherry red in the glass, the aromatics are incredibly pure and bright showing a crystalline vitality and precision. Incredibly perfumed and lifted, the nose is tightly packed with notes of lavender and white flowers, glacé red cherries, cranberry, and saline hints of black currant. Medium bodied, concentrated and intricately structured, there is a real core of energy to the wine driven by a tangy fresh acidity and tart bright red cherry and red currant fruits with silky soft powdery tannins and long, mouthwatering finish. This wine shows serious winemaking prowess with its weightless intensity, harmonious elegance, and a piercing focused length. Unforced and effortless, this is a cracking new label debut from Rudger that’s worth tracking down. Drink now to 2034+.” – Greg Sherwood MW 94+