Winemaker Notes
This wine is haunting, full-bodied, and yet utterly sophisticated and ample testimony to Mary-Lou Nash's winemaking talent and commitment.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2012 The Mischief Maker is a blend of 85% Shiraz and 15% Mourvedre and those varieties work together well on the nose with blackberry, singed leather and a touch of balsam. The palate is medium-bodied with well-judged acidity, plush red cherry and strawberry fruit, hints of white pepper and sage toward the harmonious finish. This is definitely one of the better Rhône blends from Paarl and comes recommended at this price.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Flanked by majestic mountains on either side, the Paarl district is a valley whose most valuable water source is the Berg River. While sometimes during dry and hot summers, the vineyards in the valley need supplemental irrigation, those vineyards on the eastern slopes where water retention is better, aren't irrigated.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc enjoy great success in Paarl.