Made in tiny quantities, Richard Kershaw MW's wines are always in high demand. Born
in Sheffield, Richard trained and worked as a chef before discovering wine. After
extensive travelling he settled in South Africa in 1999, and by 2009 he was Group
Winemaker at Mulderbosch and Kanu. He established Kershaw Wines in 2012,
specialising in the cool-climate wines of Elgin. Being one of the few MW’s to make his
own wine, he uses his vast knowledge to craft stunning wines that are easily a match
for some of the world’s very best wines.

Elgin is one of South Africa’s coolest and most distinctive wine regions, located just inland from the Atlantic coast, east of Cape Town. Nestled in an elevated plateau surrounded by rugged mountains, it benefits from a maritime-influenced climate with mild summers, cool nights and long, slow ripening seasons. Frequent morning mists and a high diurnal temperature range help to retain acidity and develop intense aromatics in the grapes. However, higher rainfall than most Cape regions means that disease pressure, particularly from mildew, is an ongoing viticultural challenge.

The soils in Elgin are varied, with sandstone, shale and decomposed granite predominating, often mixed with clay. These well-drained yet nutrient-poor soils naturally restrict vigour and yield, promoting concentration and elegance in the wines.

The region is best known for its white varieties – particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay – which show crisp acidity and distinctive aromatic profiles. Sauvignon Blancs tend to exhibit flavours of gooseberry, grapefruit, lime and fresh herbs, while Chardonnays combine citrus and white peach fruit with subtle mineral and occasionally toasty notes. Elgin is also increasingly recognised for its refined Pinot Noir, with delicate red cherry, raspberry and floral aromas. Other varieties such as Riesling and Syrah are gaining interest in selected sites. Overall, Elgin wines are characterised by purity, finesse and a cool-climate freshness unique in South Africa.

Syrah, also known as Shiraz in Australia and parts of the New World, is one of the world’s most celebrated red grape varieties. Its origins trace back to the Rhône Valley in France, where it thrives in both the northern Rhône’s steep, granite slopes and the warmer southern regions. Syrah vines are hardy and adaptable, tolerating a range of soils, but they prefer well-drained sites with ample sunlight. The grape is naturally vigorous, with small, thick-skinned berries that produce deeply coloured wines rich in tannin and flavour.

Today, Syrah is planted widely across the globe. In France, it remains dominant in appellations such as Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Crozes-Hermitage. In Australia, Shiraz is the country’s flagship variety, producing styles from bold, ripe Barossa bottlings to elegant, cool-climate Yarra Valley expressions. Significant plantings also exist in South Africa, the United States (notably California and Washington State), Chile, and Argentina.

The style of Syrah/Shiraz varies with climate and winemaking approach. Cool-climate examples offer notes of black pepper, violets, and fresh blackberry, with firm acidity and structure. Warmer regions produce richer, fuller wines with flavours of ripe plum, black cherry, chocolate, and spice. Across styles, Syrah is prized for its depth, versatility, and ability to age gracefully.