4/30/10
It has been put forth that Shiraz may well be one of South Africa’s great varietals, perfectly suited to its climate and soils, with the potential for making world class wines. Australia and the South of France may have more of a foot hold with the varietal, but the Cape is making some extremely certifiable wines, making its own statement when it comes to Syrah/Shiraz. The 2007 Raka Biography Shiraz proffers beautiful varietal definition, with strong French leanings. It has a nose that offers up notions of white pepper spice, some slight undertones of the varietals gaminess, floral brightness that gives lift to the aromatics and red plum, red currant and raspberry fruit notes aromatically. Medium fuller bodied, with a sleek texture and concentrated fruit wrapped in a bed of finer grained tannins, the fruit spectrum red, with an engaging spicy edge, this has an engaging palate feel that is supple with just the right amount of tannic firmness on the finish. Young and evolving this should develop into a real beauty, gaining flesh and complexity with several years more of bottle age. Impressive stuff already, this just was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2009 Veritas Awards. (Gregg Phillips)
