2005 Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Shiraz - a lot of delicious drinking

Tasting Notes

2/6/08
Diemerfontein represents the newer face of the South African wine industry, having its first bottling in 2001, after the return of owners, Dave and Sue Sonneberg, from the UK to develop the family farm. Located in Wellington their Carpe Diem range, and in particular their Carpe Diem Pinotage, are now looked on as some of the finest coming out of the Western Cape. Diemersfontein as a wine producing estate concentrates on making red wine, with its total production of around 25,000 cases being comprised of 95% red wine. The reds, particularly in the upper end Carpe Diem line up, that have shown most promise have been their Pinotage and Shiraz with Cabernet Sauvignon starting to gain in stature as well Diemersfontein’s Carpe Diem range produces some stellar wines. Their 2005 Carpe Diem Shiraz is a real beauty and has only gained in complexity and polished up nicely since we initially tried it around 6 months ago. It is just now starting to come together and break out of its youthful awkward stage where the fruit and oak hadn’t fully integrated
This shows tremendous varietal characteristics on the nose, with a sweet, smoky note to the dark berry fruit, a touch of meatiness, some vanilla and then a top note of very intriguing spice box characters, think cardamom and clove and a hint of white pepper aromatically. As enticing as the aromatics are the palate keeps the momentum rolling along with its fuller bodied, smooth texture that is layered with spicy laden brooding, dark fruit flavors. Seamless with exceptional depth this is a real beauty that while showing well should have a promising future over the next 4-5 years.

Food Accompaniments

Roasted leg of lamb

Price

SKU

Varietal

$21.99

7191

Shiraz