Schalk Burger & Sons Doddie’5 Red Blend 2019

Doddie’5 Red Blend 2019 is a wine for rugby lovers to get behind. Made by former Springbok Schalk Burger Snr of Welbedacht in Wellington, its marketed through Sporting Wine Club, co-founded by ex-Englanhttps://sportingwineclub.com/d international Simon Halliday, all profits going to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – Doddie Weir is a Scottish rugby legend (he earned 61 caps as a lock for the country and represented the British & Irish Lions on their successful tour to South Africa in 1997) who came to have Motor Neuron Disease and in turn dedicated himself to raising funds to find a cure. To complete the rugby connection, the front label is by former Saracens academy player Henry Fraser, who was left paralysed after an accident at the age of 17 and is now an accomplished mouth-painter.

The wine is a blend of five varieties, Weir having worn the No. 5 jersey, specifically Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and just before it becomes too predictable, some Mourvèdre. The nose shows red and black berries, a touch of herb and, no doubt thanks to that Mourvèdre, some meatiness and pepper. It has nice palate weight – lots of juicy fruit and bright acidity, the tannins not too grippy. Hearty and a little rustic, which is not inappropriate given that it’s named after a tight forward. Price is £119.70 per six-bottle case.

CE’s rating: 88/100.

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