Who would have thought a one-year-old could win at Shiraz Challenge!
“A WILD RED wine” is how they describe it on the label. The maiden vintage of the Wildeberg Shiraz Cab Franc combo is hardly 12 months old and comes from vines that have only yielded a few vintages to date. There are only 10 hectares planted to vine on the small farm at the bottom of steep slopes in the eastern extremity of the Franschhoek Valley. Above and around is natural bush, home to all sorts of indigenous fynbos and creatures that include a couple of peregrine falcons! We’re talking very small volumes, but impressive stuff. And it’s not the first wine from this mountain cellar to be honoured with a top accolade.
From the premium range of the Boutinot (UK) group’s mountain cellar in Franschhoek, the 2019 Wildeberg Red was the youngest winner at the 2020 Shiraz SA Challenge, with the others up to five years old. This follows the victory of the 2018 Wildeberg White at the 2019 Trophy Wine Show, where it was judged best in the Semillon class.
Wildeberg Red 2019
WO Franschhoek. 90% Shiraz and 10% Cabernet Franc. Hand picked, naturally fermented (wild yeast). Aged in new and used French oak barrels for 12 months. 1736 bottles.
Alc 14 | RS 2.9 | TA 5.3 | pH 3.6
Producer’s Tasting Notes: Nose of freshly crushed raspberries, veiled with white pepper. On the palate, a generosity of depth and layers.
Due to minimal stablisation and filtration, a small, harmless deposit might develop in the bottle over time.
Pairing Suggestion: Ideal with roast leg of lamb, duck and grilled vegetables. Great with charcuterie, juicy steak or taditional South African Bobotie.
Cellar-door price: R320pb.
