The Oenophiliac
A Wine Writers View on the World of Wine. Formerly Magics Wine Guide and Reviews for Newbies
Cleef’s Classic Shiraz-Viognier 2014
When Nicholas Cleef first purchased Kleine Zalze in 1695 his vision was that Stellenbosch had the potential to produce world class wines. I’m sure if he
Cleef’s Classic Shiraz-Viognier
were around today he would be pleasantly surprised at how far, not only Stellenbosch, South Africa has come.
Grab your rope and skip down the road to the Western Cape, home of Cleef’s Rhone inspired Shiraz-Viognier blend. Viognier may raise a few of your eyebrows as it’s a white grape in a red wine but as a blending varietal it only provides 5% of the mix, loosely put it acts as a kind of binding agent for this style, as well as adding some potential floral notes, and is very commonplace in the production of some of the great reds of the Rhone.
Meaty, savoury aromas initially dominate the nose but given some air time and those umami characters die away to produce aromas of fresh jammy red berry fruit and a smidge of liquorice. Whack it on the palate and there’s a sense of soft oak, spice, fresh red berry fruit and black pepper.
This is a cool wine with a great price point to match.
Currently available from Warren Wines, Twickenham, London. 0208-744-2541
Cleef’s Classic Shiraz-Viognier 2014, Western Cap, South Africa. 14% ABV – £7.49.
Prices correct at posting. Subject to availability and change.
