Zandvliet Shiraz 2015

What style of Shiraz/Syrah is set to hold sway in the next few years? Jacques Bruwer of Bon Courage in Robertson expresses some bemusement that his more modest The Pepper Tree Shiraz 2016 (matured for some 12 months in old oak) should have placed in the top 10 of this year’s Syrah du Monde ahead of the top-of-the-range Inkará (matured for six months in new American oak before a further 18 months in new French oak).

Jacques Cilliers of nearby Zandvliet when his standard-label Shiraz 2015 (price: R110 a bottle) won gold at the recent Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show while his higher-end Kalkveld 2015 won bronze.

Zippity doo dah.

Revisiting the Zandvliet 2015 recently, it’s a wine that succeeds on account of how approachable it is. Red berries and plenty of pepper on the nose while the palate displays juicy fruit and crunchy tannins. Not too dense or tannic at all. It would appear that competition judges are seeking to reward elegance over weight and power and this must surely be a good thing as long as complexity is not ignored as a result.

Editor’s rating: 90/100.

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