La Motte, Pierneef Syrah-Viognier, Franschhoek, 2013

The blend here is 90% Syrah with the fruit coming from Walker Bay and Elim, while the 10% Viognier component comes from Franschhoek. The grapes were hand-harvested and fermented together without stems. The wine was then aged in 300L oak barrels (70% new) for 14 months before it was blended and put back into barrels for another four months prior to bottling. The result is one of the Cape’s best Cote-Rotie style reds that I have encountered in this price bracket. Stunning perfume and spice nose, with rippling blackberry fruit pastille, violets, white pepper, cream and chocolate on the palate. Compact, polished tannins bright acidity and medium body help make this wine long and very, very pleasurable. Really impressive.