This Shiraz has an intense dark ruby red colour with flavours of plums, blackcurrants and pepper with hints of dark chocolate and mixed spice. On the palate, it boasts with blackberry fruits, violets and black pepper.
Vintage:
The Cape’s devastating drought played a dominant role in this year’s harvest. “At the onset of harvest, people were expecting a below average vintage, however, going on what we are tasting and seeing in the cellar, vintage 2018 was an above average vintage,” says winemaker, Richard Duckitt “Our yields are down a little, but the quality is definitely not.” Vineyard: Terroir: The vineyards are on the northern and eastern foothills of Simonsberg known for its weathered granite, ideal for farming top quality Shiraz.
Climate:
The long, warm summers, typical to the Mediterranean, are also enjoyed in Paarl and it creates the ideal environment for ripening varieties like Shiraz and Chenin Blanc.
Cellar:
The grapes were handpicked early March. Berries were sorted before a slow fermentation on the skins, punch downs for colour extraction coaxes depth of colour and flavour before malolactic fermentation and maturation took place.
Testing Note:
The Shiraz has an intense dark ruby red colour with flavours of plums, blackcurrants and pepper with hints of dark chocolate and mixed spice. On the palate, it boasts with blackberry fruits, violets and black pepper. Serving: Smoked Rooibos and Paprika grilled fillet of beef served with Grandma's sticky potatoes, slow cooked beef brisket or Rosemary infused Springbok loin
Wine Estate:
Nestled between the slopes of the Groot Drakenstein mountains in the Franschhoek Valley, lies the Bellingham Farm, founded in 1693. These wines brings homage to the Bellingham approach of excellence, innovation and quality winemaking through region-specific sourcing of grapes and showcasing the most interesting varietals South Africa has to offer.
