Country: South Africa  Region: Coastal Region  Vintage: 2018 Varietal: Shiraz  Category: Red Wine  Colour: Red Producer: Fairview "The Fairview estate is situated approximately 50 kilometres from Cape Town, on the lower slopes of Mt. Paarl, and was planted with vines as early as 1699. The property was bought by Charles Back's grandfather in 1937 and was subsequently run by his father, Cyril, before Charles took charge. His era has seen Fairview emerge to become one of the country's most exciting properties, with all its production now certified as Fair Trade. Charles doesn't use the certification, however, as he wants to sell on merit. The excitement engendered by Fairview was recognised in 2014 when Charles was given the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' by the International Wine Challenge. Though slightly alarmed at being given this gong when he was only 58, Charles was happy to join the likes of Hugh Johnson, Peter Lehmann and Michael Broadbent as a recipient of this award. The wines from Fairview continue to evolve in style under winemaker Anthony de Jager. By better work in the vineyard (opening the canopies to allow light to get to the grapes earlier in the season, for instance) he is getting full ripeness at an earlier stage. This means earlier picking, which in turn means red wines with more vibrancy and freshness. The Pinotage and Beacon Shiraz have both benefitted from this approach, and are looking better than ever.With the whites, he is looking for full ripeness, especially with the Sauvignon. ""We don't want any green characters in our Sauvignons"", he says. The 2015 Darling Sauvignon is more tropical in flavour as a result, with lovely texture and depth on the palate. Surprising some upon first taste, as it lacks the herbaceous characters often associated with South African Sauvignon Blanc, but it is a much better drink as a result of this work. Equally exciting is the 2015 Darling Chenin Blanc. It is is fragrant and has a lime zest character on both the nose and palate.Charles continues to invest at Fairview, and has bought, in the past few years, both neighbouring properties. New vineyards have been planted on the hills, so the wines from this fine property will continue to improve over the coming years. Given their current level of quality, this is an exciting prospect." Product Features: Sustainable; Vegetarian Winemaker: Anthony de Jager Vineyards: Shiraz is sourced from a special selection of vineyards, predominantly at Fairview on the south-western slopes of Paarl Mountain on decomposed granite soils. Complementary components of the blend are from dryland vineyards in Agter-Paarl on deep Malmesbury shale soils and from dryland vineyards in Swartland and from cooler Atlantic vineyards in Darling. Vinification: "Grapes were destalked and lightly crushed before fermentation. Grapes were fermented on the skins for 10 days and then pressed. Malolactic fermentation was completed in oak barrels with a small portion in tank. The wine was racked and sent to barrel for 12 months. The wine was aged in a combination of French and American oak, with approximately 30% new wood being used. The components were then specially selected, blended and bottled." Tasting Notes: Intense red in the glass. Pepper spice on the nose with red berry fruit. The palate reveals plum fruits with a touch of white pepper and a rich mouth feel with well-integrated bold tannins. Food Suggestion: Enjoy with beef fillet, lamb or a beautiful ribeye. Closure: Natural Cork  ABV:14%