Strandveld Vineyards has earned another top rating at this year’s Shiraz SA Challenge, this time for their flagship wine, Strandveld The Navigator 2017, which secured its place as one of the Top 3 Shiraz Blends.
A regular winner in the Shiraz Category, cellar master, Conrad Vlok, is thrilled that his signature red blend has taken top honours in the Blend Category this year.
2017 was an exceptional vintage for Strandveld Vineyards which was slightly less affected by the extreme drought conditions than other parts of the Western Cape. The preceding Spring arrived later and with less wind than normal. This carried on into November with beautiful windless summer days, perfect conditions for the vineyard flower season and berry set. The result was one of their biggest crops to date. February was dry with cool south east winds giving perfect ripening conditions and resulting in exceptionally high quality fruit.
Strandveld The Navigator 2017 is a blend of 53% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 19% Mourvèdre and 8% Viognier. The perfect ripening conditions in 2017 allowed for a bigger crop of Mourvèdre grapes and this is the highest percentage of this in variety appearing in the blend to date. The wine shows aromas of cool-climate spice with white pepper and cloves. Floral hints courtesy of the Viognier and a spiciness carries through to the palate and are complemented by black berry flavours. The Grenache contributes red berry fruit, fine tannins and a long finish. This is an enticingly complex wine with excellent aging potential. While still quite youthful now, it will develop superbly over the next 7 years.
This Rhône blend pays homage to Prince Henry the Navigator – the Patron of early Portuguese maritime exploration. Like Strandveld, he had a passion for exploring the secrets around Africa’s southernmost tip.
Strandveld The Navigator 2017 is soon to be released. It will be available for purchase from the Strandveld Vineyards’ online shop at www.strandveld.co.za, selling for R220, and will also available at fine wine shops around the country.
