Strandveld Vineyards has released the 2011 vintage of its Rhône style Syrah. Shaped by a mild spring and summer fanned by unabatingly cool south-easterly winds with surrounding sea temperatures as low as 12° C for most of the summer months, the vintage has been pronounced "one of our coolest yet," by winemaker Conrad Vlok. "This is, without doubt, a serious Shiraz that is elegant in structure. I recommend serving this bold red wine with roast beef, duck or venison, all of my favourites." It is available for R156 from the tasting rooms and wine merchants countrywide. For more information, go to www.strandveld.co.za.
Shannon Vineyards has released its Rockview Ridge Pinot Noir 2013 and is expected to perform as well as its highly rated previous releases. Described as being perfect with a succulent rare fillet with porcini sauce, or slow-roasted duck, it retails for around R250. Situated high on the western rim of the picturesque cool-climate Elgin Valley, Shannon Vineyards is a small family-run farm owned by brothers James and Stuart Downes. In addition to the Pinot Noir, they also produce two other highly acclaimed site-specific wines: The Sanctuary Peak Sauvignon Blanc and Mount Bullet Merlot, as well as the unique Macushla Pinot Noir Noble Late Harvest. For more information, go to www.shannonwines.com.
