Savage Red Blend 2011
-
Parker
Robert
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 Proprietary Red is a blend of 72% Shiraz, 21% Grenache and 7% Cinsault and naturally fermented in open top containers, fermented with 20% whole bunch and raised in 500-liter French oak for 12 months. The nose is reminiscent of a fine Chateauneuf-du-Pape with laid-back red berry fruit laced with undergrowth, heather and a hint of lavender. The palate is soft and very supple on the entry. There is a fine line of acidity and a plush caressing finish that leaves you wanting another sip. Delicious! Tasted twice with consistent notes. Drink now-2018. Cape Point Vineyards’ winemaker Duncan Savage has introduced his own label in 2011 and both come recommended, as I would expect given his talents. I asked him for a slice of background information on his project. “It’s been a goal for some time now and I’m glad it’s finally happened! We are not trying to be funky or weird, but rather just facilitate a few rock-solid classic and elegant wines. Our aim is to go this on our own entirely and thus the funds for a cellar and vineyards don’t exist. I don’t however see this as a problem as we have fantastic relationships with so many amazing framers and sites. Over the years at Cape Point I have gotten to understand maritime vineyards a little better and have thus opted to source grapes for Savage from maritime and altitude sites. Inspiration has also come from many great older reds from South Africa and abroad that have stood the test of time with moderate alcohol and extraction. The range will consist of the Red and White with some exciting small parcel wines from next year – some really interesting old vine Cinsault. It’s interesting as the 2011 Red is almost quite simple when poured straight away yet really starts to come into its own after a few hours in the decanter.”
Other Vintages
2020-
Spectator
Wine -
Suckling
James
-
Spectator
Wine
-
Spectator
Wine -
Parker
Robert
-
Spectator
Wine
-
Parker
Robert
-
Spirits
Wine & -
Spectator
Wine
-
Parker
Robert
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
With an important wine renaissance in full swing, impressive red and white bargains abound in South Africa. The country has a particularly long and rich history with winemaking, especially considering its status as part of the “New World.” In the mid-17th century, the lusciously sweet dessert wines of Constantia were highly prized by the European aristocracy. Since then, the South African wine industry has experienced some setbacks due to the phylloxera infestation of the late 1800s and political difficulties throughout the following century.
Today, however, South Africa is increasingly responsible for high-demand, high-quality wines—a blessing to put the country back on the international wine map. Wine production is mainly situated around Cape Town, where the climate is generally warm to hot. But the Benguela Current from Antarctica provides brisk ocean breezes necessary for steady ripening of grapes. Similarly, cooler, high-elevation vineyard sites throughout South Africa offer similar, favorable growing conditions.
South Africa’s wine zones are divided into region, then smaller districts and finally wards, but the country’s wine styles are differentiated more by grape variety than by region. Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, is the country’s “signature” grape, responsible for red-fruit-driven, spicy, earthy reds. When Pinotage is blended with other red varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or Pinot Noir (all commonly vinified alone as well), it is often labeled as a “Cape Blend.” Chenin Blanc (locally known as “Steen”) dominates white wine production, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc following close behind.