2014 Swartland Family Red Blend
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Tasting notes
Bright, dark red. Captivating flowers and exotic herbs lift the aromas of cherry liqueur and dark raspberry; slightly medicinal in a positive way. Surprising peppery acidity gives shape and lift to the pungent flavors of cherry, raspberry, medicinal herbs and salty minerality. Still quite closed in on itself, this peppery, firm-edged, savory wine needs time to soften and expand in the bottle. Tannins are quite dusty in the early going. Quite uncompromising today but I'd love to taste it in another three or four years. Leaves behind a savory note of olive tapenade in the empty glass. This idiosyncratic, intense wine should last well.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2014 Family Red Blend comprises of 56% Shiraz, 17% Grenache, 17% Cinsault and 10% Tinta Barocca. It has an animally, almost feral bouquet, a touch of fynbos infusing the red berry fruit; rustic but really compelling. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grip, grippy tannins and a keen thread of acidity. A mixture of red and black fruit, there is a solid backbone to this wine, great precision and it bounces along with its vivacious tart fruit on the finish. This is a great red blend from Adi and it will give at least a decade's worth of drinking pleasure.
About the producer
Adi Badenhorst was one of the original pioneers of South Africa’s New Wave. Based up on the Paardeberg, he uses a hands-off approach to craft expressive wines and spirits in the Swartland – from his moreish Capéritif to single-site Chenin Blanc, Cinsault and Grenache.
Product details
Syrah / Shiraz, Grenache/ Garnacha , Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional
Red
Dry