This Kloof Street Swartland Rouge is a blend of Syrah (41%), Grenache (32%), Tinta Barocca (17%) and Cinsault (10%) which have been fermented using indigenous yeasts.
From sustainably farmed vineyard parcels in different parts of the Swartland, up to 48 years in age: Two parcels of Syrah and one parcel of Cinsault and Grenache from the stony shale and schist based soils of Roundstone Farm on the Kasteelberg; and one parcel of dry land, bushvine Syrah, and Tinta Barocca, planted in the decomposed granite soils of the Paardeberg.
The wine spent 11 months in 3rd and 4th fill French oak 225L barrels & 500L demi-muids.
Aroma: Enveloped in moderate oak with an occasional whiff of may I say “almost traditional” earthiness of so many South African reds. Bright red cherry, ripe raspberry with hints of cranberry.
Palate: Light on the tannins but don’t expect silky and smooth. Chalky and delicate bitterness. Slightly reticent with its fruit which might emerge more prominently with some ageing.
Personality: Fresh but not sassy.
Food Match: Fully condimented Southern Cali cheeseburger with Waffle Fries.
Cellarbility: Give it until 2026 to flourish. Will sail through to 2028.
Price: $24.95 CDN.
RKS 2025 Wine Rating: 89/100. Timatkin.com 93.
(Swartland Rouge, 2022 Kloof Street, W.O. Swartland, Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, Malmesbury, South Africa).
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