Winemaker Notes
This Shiraz, Grenache, Mouvedre blend beautifully expresses the quality of the Swartland region. On the nose you’ll experience roasted sweet potatoes and new licorice, the palate contains ripe plum, caraway seeds, red apple, eucalyptus, salinity and baked fruit. Decent grip on the tannins with a soft leathery finish.
Blend: 75% Shiraz, 18% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Meaty violet with coal smoke undertones and ripe plums on the nose. Spicy palate with dried herbs flavours. Muscular and long.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Literally meaning "the black land," Swartland takes its name from the endangered, indigenous "renosterbos" (translating to rhino bush), which used to be plentiful enough to turn the entire landscape a dark color certain during times of year. The district, attracting some of the most adventurous and least interventionist winemakers, excels in robust and full-bodied reds as well as quality fortified wines.