Kranskop The Beekeeper's Block Shiraz 2019

My first interaction with Kranskop wines was a memorable one – someone took out a bottle of Kranskop Cabernet Sauvignon and shared it after a year-end wine tasting. Several people asked afterwards about this specific wine because it made such a good impression on everyone. Then I received the Kranskop Beekeeper’s Block Shiraz and immediately recognised the label, which is very different from the labels of the other wines in the Kranskop collection, because I have received a picture before of the bottle with a message: “Amazing wine”. On the day that I reviewed this Shiraz, I casually shared a glass with our insurance broker. She phoned me afterwards to ask where and how she can order more of this wine, because it made such a good impression on her. What I am trying to say here is that this is not a drink-enjoy-and-forget-wine but rather one of those wines that one will remember afterwards and that one would want to enjoy again and again. And at such a good price, this is very doable.

This wine is very striking, with a colourful and lively label. The name refers to a block of vines that are planted in between some fynbos that, in turn, attracts many bees. This wine has a deep garnet colour with a deep centre. It is forthcoming on the nose with blackberries, blackcurrant, plums, violets, fynbos and black olives on the nose. It delivers well on the palate, with good complexity and an excellent balance on the palate. The tannins are very well rounded and it has a smooth finish with floral and savoury notes. This wine was punched down by hand every 4-6 hours, basket pressed and underwent malolactic fermentation, giving it a soft and creamy mouthfeel.

This is a Shiraz that should be tried and is an ideal wine with lamb dishes and creamy vegetables. Well done to the Kranskop team on a wonderful Shiraz! Only 3000 bottles were produced.

Producer: Kranskop Wines

Variety: Shiraz 100%

Vintage: 2019

Origin: Robertson, Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: Newald Marais

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 13.5%

RS: 2.3g/l

Average price: R150

Rating: 91/100