Fleur du Cap Shiraz 1989
By Christian Eedes, 16 February 2024
3
The Shiraz/Syrah phenomenon in South Africa is relatively recent – total plantings in 1993 amounted to a mere 748ha compared to 8 897ha in 2022.
Who were the category leaders in the early 1990s? When Wine magazine tasted 23 examples of what was then currently available on the market for the February 1996 issue, Fleur du Cap 1989 was one of the three overall top wines with a rating of Four Stars, the other two being Bertrams 1989 and Lievland 1992.
The Fleur du Cap also received a rating of Four Stars in the 1995 edition Platter’s, although the tasting note wasn’t entirely enthusiastic, reading as follows: “Mostly friendly, sweet softish charm – and warmth (13.2% alc.). Some savoury reminders in finish, Without smokiness of most Cape Shiraz.”
Drinking it now, there’s quite a bit to recommend it, the 13.2% alcohol more indicative of proper phenolic ripeness than anything else. Red and black berries, fynbos, pepper and just a trace of leather on the nose while the palate displays generous fruit, bright acidity and mellow tannins. A round and juicy wine, perhaps not that complex, but still immensely pleasurable.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
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Hendrik Louw | 18 February 2024
I remember that the Bertrams was quite nice at that stage. Need to get new relatives…..
Gareth | 16 February 2024
Are you clearing out the cellar of some old bottles, Christian?
Interesting to note that shiraz this old is still pleasant – it’s been my experience that a lot of my older syrahs have not aged particularly well..
Christian Eedes | 16 February 2024
Hi Gareth, A relative is moving to a smaller residence and I’m the lucky beneficiary of some older bottles. I agree that older SA Syrah tends to disappoint but it appears that Fleur du Cap had a handle on it in the late 1980s. Would dearly like to know the origin of the grapes…