Groot Constantia Shiraz 2020

Groot Constantia Shiraz 202

If you live in, or are holidaying in Cape Town, aa visit to Groot Constantia is a must. A short drive from the Cape Town City Centre, the Estate has much to offer wine lovers. Apart from its sublime wines, the Estate has two excellent restaurants, and the Manor House, rebuilt after a devastating fire in the 1920s. The house is beautifully furnished in the style of 18^th and 19^th Century. It was the home of Hendrik Cloete, which with his wines, created a golden era for Constantia Wine as his wines graced Royal and Political tables and were written about by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and the French writer, Baudelaire.

Groot Constantia Vineyardist, Floricius Beukes

I remember some years ago, former Wine Maker, Boela Gerber telling me that he had great hopes for Groot Constantia as the then new Vineyardist, Floricius Beukes, had the measure of the Groot Constantia Shiraz vineyards and that in a short time, he would be providing the Cellar with top quality grapes. His hopes have been realised.

The Groot Constantia Barrel Cellar

The wines were matured for 12 months in 500 litre barrels, 25% in New French Oak Barrels, 25% 2nd fill, 25% 3rd fill barrels and 15% 4th fill barrels, with 10% in 2700 litre foudres.

Pour

The 2020 Shiraz is a magnificent colour in the glass. A deep bloodplum at the heart which pales out to ruby at the edges. A complex and layered set of aromas. Ripe plums and a selection of red and lack berries are complemented by violet florals, and the French Oak Barrels with their concomitant spice and vanilla. From entry, palate is rich and generous with a fynbos herbaceousness. There is a perfectly balanced acidity line running through into the long and gently waning aftertaste. The tannins are there, and they show with the fabulous fruit and acidity line and the oaking that while eminently drinkable now, the wine will benefit from a couple of years of cool cellaring. A truly impressive glass.

Abigail Connelly’s Thick Cut Rib Eye Steak with Mushrooms and Green Peppercorns

Pair

Something big and bold for the Groot Constantia Shiraz 2020. Abigail Connelly’s Thick Cut Rib Eye Steak with Mushrooms and Green Peppercorns is a great match. Click HERE for her recipe.

Abigail Donnelly