Nederburg Private Bin R121 Shiraz 1989

For a brief while during the 1990s, Platter’s dispensed with its rating system of Stars in favour of grape bunches, one defined as “Pick of the bunch” and two as “Best of the bunch”.

The Private Bin R121 Shiraz 1989 from Nederburg failed to be awarded any bunches in the 1998 edition of the guide but was described as follows: “Elegantly rich Shiraz; comfortable old leather, smoky character, smooth texture. Year in new large oak”.

Local Shiraz of that era is not widely celebrated for its age-worthiness but a bottle drunk recently was excellent. Red berries, spice and yes, some leather but not offensively so. The palate impressed with how little decay it showed – lovely fruit purity and plenty of freshness. Layers of flavour, the tannins nicely resolved. W.O. Paarl. Alcohol: 12%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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