La Motte Pierneef Syrah Viognier 2018

The La Motte Pierneef Syrah Viognier is a top wine, a true crowd pleaser, showcasing expert winemaking skills and true value for money. This is the red wine in the Pierneef collection, which already sets this wine apart from the ordinary offering. Only 16,000 cases (of 6) were made of this wine, using Syrah from Elim (50%), Walker Bay (30%), and Napier (20%), as well as Viognier from Franschhoek. Although minimal, the 2% Viognier makes a massive difference in the taste profile and mouthfeel of this wine. It was matured for 14 months in 300-litre 50% new French oak barrels.

In the glass, this wine has a ruby red colour and is clear. It offers a complex nose of spices, red fruit and polished leather. It delivers very well on the palate, with a smooth entry, followed by mulberries, redcurrant, cranberries, red flowers and oriental spices in the foreground. A hint of leather comes through in between fine tannins, with a long spicy finish.

This wine can be chilled slightly, and it is ready to drink now or within the next 10+ years. It is value for money and certainly evokes interest among tasters. It can be enjoyed on its own, or with braaied lamb chops, roast beef or potjiekos. It is an excellent wine.

Producer: La Motte

Variety: Syrah 98%, Viognier 2%

Vintage: 2018

Origin: Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: Edmund Terblanche

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 12.81%

RS: 2.6g/l

Average price: R320

Rating: 96/100