Whole-bunch fermentation. Done to add freshness but too often resulting in wines which are green. I think Adi Badenhorst however has absolutely nailed it with his Family Wines Red 2011, the wine having a real liveliness about it without the tannins being too firm.
A blend of 71% Shiraz, 15% Cinsaut, 7% Tinta Barocca, 4% Grenache and 3% Mourvèdre, the wine is wonderfully complex with notes of red and black fruit, potpourri, dried herbs, earth and spice. It’s extremely flavourful but equally it has a wonderful drinkability about it, possessing water-like refreshment value. As compelling as anything else that’s currently coming out of the Swartland. Approximate retail price: R250 a bottle.
Score: 94/100.
