Zondernaam Shiraz 2003

2003 Zondernaam Shiraz nice structure and drinkability

Tasting Notes

9/28/06
Made at the recently opened Tokara winery this has an interesting background. The name, Zondernaam, was used as the developmental label for the Tokara winery and has now become a second label. The winery wanted to get some cash flow and let the vines develop a bit of maturity before launching the Tokara label. Initially projected to be phased out once the Tokara label came on to line this has been given a reprieve at this point in time. On visiting the winery in mid spring of this year we were told that the wines under this label had developed a large following and weren't going to be phased out after all; so they appear to have a life and following of their own. When you try this Shiraz you understand several things, first off, that Shiraz has a place in the Cape and secondly, this label, if it can consistently produce wines of this stature will have a history to it, which means in reality a future to continue to produce delicious, well priced wines.
Notes of subtle spice come out of the glass, soft cinnamon, a whisper of clove, then an underlying note of pepper and saddle leather. The nose titillates with its well integrated spice and fruit nuances, rather than coming across forcefully, with a rich backbone dark red fruit for support. The palate has good suppleness, showcasing sweet ripe red and black fruits that are spice infused, medium-fuller bodied with riper tannins softening the finish, giving this wine an excellent drink me now approachability, yet should age nicely over the next 3-4 years.

Food Accompaniments

Lamb, beef

Price

SKU

Varietal

$11.99

6101

Shiraz