Strandveld The Navigator 2012
By Christian Eedes, 9 September 2014
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Land ahoy!
Elim may be maritime but it’s still pretty close to the equator as winemaking regions go. It’s latitude is 34.6⁰ S compared to 45⁰ N for Hermitage, and this being the case, perhaps blends are more likely to provide complexity than single-variety wines.
I’ve always liked the Syrah from Elim producer Strandveld well enough but a bottle of 2012 vintage Rhône-style red blend The Navigator had an extra something about it.
A blend of 59% Shiraz, 25% Grenache, 9% Mourvèdre and 7% Viognier, it was matured for 22 months in French oak, 100% new. Red and black fruit, a subtle floral note, spice and white pepper. Good fruit concentration without being too weighty, fresh acidity and fine tannins – the oak remarkably well assimilated. Price: R168 a bottle.
Score: 91/100.
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Gideoni van der Merwe28 May 2020
Just found a bottle of The Strandveld Navigator 2012 in my cupboard during level 4 . Going to try it tomorrow night.Hope it is still okay.
Christian Eedes28 May 2020
Hi Gideoni, It should be fine if not exactly as fresh as a daisy!