Fairview Stok By Paaltijie Grenache 2015

Stake in the ground.

While the 2014 vintage of Stok By Paaltjie Grenache from Paarl cellar Fairview was appealing enough but perhaps a bit straightforward, the 2015 moves up a gear.

From own grapes, the wine was matured for 15 months in older French oak, alcohol being 13.5% compared to the 14% of the 2014.

The nose is intensely aromatic with notes of red berries, spice and incense while the palate is marked by good fruit expression, lively acidity and fine tannins. Layers of flavour and lovely balance make it a pleasure to drink. Price: R285 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 91/100.

Less successful is the Fairview Pegleg Carignan 2015 (W.O. Swartland, alcohol: 14%). The nose shows pronounced reduction plus red berries and fynbos while the palate has juicy fruit, fresh acidity and soft tannins. Not unpleasant but rather rustic. Price: R165 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 87/100.

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