Strandveld The Navigator 2012

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.