2014 South Africa

This is predominantly Shiraz, with Grenache and Carignan. The nose hints at brambles and dark chocolate. The dark fruit character continues on the palate with notes of white pepper spice and smokiness. Medium-bodied and ripe on the palate, the finish is fruit-led and persistent.
Katherine Dart MW, Wine Buyer

Cassis fruit, blackcurrant leaf and hints of smoky spice create an immediate sense of complexity on the nose of this Bordeaux blend. As is characteristic of this wine, the refined texture is courtesy of gloriously smooth tannins and a velvety mouth-feel, showing a sophistication that belies its price.

Bruwer Raat crafts soil-specific wines that embody the unique characteristics of the Stellenbosch wine region. Mvemve Raats (MR) de Compostella is a collaborative venture with his friend Mzokhona Mvemve. Just one wine is made each year: a Bordeaux blend. The composition changes, because they both taste through the barrels and only those that score 90-plus when sampled blind make it to the final blend.

Cabernet Franc may lead the pack in this Bordeaux blend but its, sometimes rather lean, personality is brilliantly balanced by the weight of its companions. It brings tremendous grace to this otherwise powerful blend; adding red fruit and freshness to the dark kernel of brooding fruit. An outstanding example of what can be achieved when Old World reserve meets New World flair; ripe fruit allied to a bright disposition and silky, refined structure.

The 2014 Granite Syrah comes from two vineyards in the Paardeberg. It has a very composed bouquet with raspberry, wild strawberry and perhaps it is a subconsciously induced reading, but warm granite aromas. The palate is medium-bodied, quite a feminine, supple Syrah that is very well balanced. There are layers of red cherry, strawberry and bergamot scents with a judicious pinch of white pepper that enlivens that finish. This is a very nuanced, terroir-driven Syrah that should give 12-15 years of pleasure.
Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate. 28th April 2017. 

This two-bottle case is a pairing of masterfully crafted Syrahs from Richard Kershaw. The inspiration for the Deconstructed wines stems from Richard’s belief that Elgin has both a signature grape and regional distinctions. Here, he has judiciously selected specific clones and Elgin sites to express their distinct qualities.

The Lake District Cartref SH 9C exudes energy with aromas of white pepper, violet and plum. Its lively acidity lends freshness and precision to the wine. The Lake District Cartref SH22 produces fuller-bodied, darker-coloured wines. With lower yields, this wine is more concentrated with black pepper, berry fruits and meatier notes.

Both wines express an inherent elegance and sense of place. Pair with strongly flavoured meats to enhance the wines’ fruit core. Drink now to 2023.

This case contains one bottle (75cl) of each of the following:

2014 The Lake District Cartref SH 9C
2014 The Lake District Cartref SH22
Daisy Gatt – Buying Assistant

2014 is being described by Matthew Day as the vintage of the decade and it is easy to see why. Vivid gold in colour, the nose is open and expressive even at this early stage. Candid orange peel, backed peaches and apricots with a hint of honey dominate the nose, but there is nuance and spice here in the guise of fresh ginger, nutmeg and kerosene. The palate is rich, opulent and fruit forward, coating one’s mouth with sweet marmalade and apricot frangipane, but there is freshness on the midpalate with hints of tangerine and honeysuckle. Well balanced with plenty of concentration on the long, sticky finish. Exceedingly pleasurable and drinkable from the get go.
Simon Herriot, Private Account Manager

Fruit is selected from 7 vineyard parcels and is fermented and aged in various size barrels, only 10-15% new. Bright red cherry fruit perfume and spicy notes provide a concentration on the nose and palate. The tannins provide an attractive grip and refreshing finish.
Fiona Hayes - Buyer

Bramble fruit is layer with hints spice on the nose. The palate is smoothly textured, with vibrancy coming from the purity of black fruit and fresh, lively acidity.
Katherine Dart MW, Wine Buyer