Robertson Winery Shiraz 2024

Robertson Winery has worked from the Robertson valley in South Africa's Western Cape since 1941, in a region whose several streams and limestone-rich soils make it a reliable source of ripe, healthy fruit. This Shiraz, the South African name for Syrah, is grown in a warm inland climate where long sunny days push the grapes to full ripeness, giving the dark fruit, generous body and rounded tannin typical of warm-climate Syrah. Limestone in the soil lends freshness and helps the vines hold acidity through the heat, keeping the wine balanced rather than heavy at 13.5% alcohol. It is aged in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannin and adds spice, smoke and a vanilla edge to the fruit. The wine is deep purple with a nose of ripe plum, blackberry and red berries over black pepper, clove and woodsmoke. The palate is full and smooth, with supple tannin, a savoury peppery line and a warm finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It is a sound everyday match for grilled and roasted meat, from steak to lamb chops and barbecued pork.