More evidence that top Shiraz can be grown almost everywhere |

More evidence that top Shiraz can be grown almost everywhere in SA

08/2019 Mike Froud Leave a comment

THAT DE GRENDEL top-scored (95/100) in the South African Winemag’s 2019 Shiraz Report was not surprising: the cellar is one of the country’s Top 10 producers in this category. However, whereas the better-known Shiraz from this outfit on the Durbanville Wine Route is made from grapes harvested in Paarl and Stellenbosch, the loyalty-club exclusive orginates outside Elim in the district of Cape Agulhas, also home of the First Sighting Shiraz and Strandveld Syrah that have been impressing for some years. 2017 is only the second vintage of De Grendel Elim Syrah, and it looks set to uphold if not improve on the good reputation set by the 2016.

The Winemag panel included editor Christian Eedes (chair), Roland Peens and James Pietersen (both of Cape Town merchant Wine Cellar), who reviewed a total of 83 entries from 67 producers. For the judges’ absolute favourites, see below. For the full report, click here.

Although some of the country’s top Shiraz wines reviewed in the Winemag report range up to R600pb, there are five cellars whose submissions included bottles scored 90+ yet were priced at under R100: the Franschhoek Cellar, Koelenhof Winery (Stellenbosch), Lammershoek Winery (Malmesbury), Old Road Wine Co (Franschhoek) and Vondeling Wines (Paarl). For all wines selling at under R100pb to receive a good panel-rating this year, see here.