2011 Fairview Estate Caldera

The 2011 Caldera is a blend of 52% Grenache, 31% Mourvedre and 17% Shiraz sorted and fermented in concrete kuipe and raised in used French oak for 14 months. It offers a fruit-driven bouquet with lovely crisp blackberry, raspberry leaf and Provencal herbs. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and good vigor: dusky black fruits interwoven with white pepper, clove, fennel and sage toward the generous finish. This is an excellent Rhone blend. Drink now-2019. Charles Back is one of the most important figures in the South African wine scene. I found his most recent releases under the Fairview label perhaps just a little up and down, though the Rhone blend Caldera is absolutely superb and well worth seeking out. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 949-6262