Dear *|FNAME|*,

Every now and then we open something special in the office that excites the team and sparks conversation, and the Radford Dale Black Rock 2019 is one such wine. The newly released 2019, from gnarly old vines in the Swartland, amplifies the pedigree of the Black Rock. With multiple Platter 5 stars over the past decade (2013, 2014, 2015 and 2019), and the 2014 named Platter's Red Wine of The Year, this is one of South Africa's quintessential modern-day red blends.

The 2019 is finessed and complex and surpasses the quality and stature of previous vintages. The wine's pure Northern Rhône aromatics are reminiscent of Saint-Joseph and the palate is delicious, dense, and pure. Syrah forms the backbone and is co-fermented (instead of blended) with old bush-vine Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Grenache from the Swartland. It dances between offering sheer drinking pleasure, and plenty of excitement for geekier drinkers and collectors alike.

‘We believe 2019 is the most complete release to date' – Jacques de Klerk, winemaker

The 2019 vintage marks the tenth harvest under the watchful eye of winemaker and former Young Gun, Jacques de Klerk. The grapes are hand harvested and the team focuses on minimal intervention in the cellar, resulting in a wine that is a transparent expression of place.

Made in small volumes, and mostly exported, this is a limited release offer.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Radford Dale, Black Rock 2019

‘Plenty of grunt in syrah-led blend from Swartland. 2019 rich, red-earth tones, black berries, dashes of spice jostle harmoniously on densely textured palate; friendly rumble of tannin allows for current/future enjoyment. Warmingly long.' – Platter's Guide, 5* (95/100)

Radford Dale, Black Rock 2018

'Delicious Rhône blend, mostly syrah this vintage, near-equal carignan, cinsaut & mourvèdre, all from Swartland & co-fermented for seamless harmony. 2018 ripe, forthright black-berried fruit, fragrant notes of polish & pepper, velvet texture & excellent length. 15% new oak. Magnums too.' – Platter’s Guide, 4.5* (94/100)

Radford Dale, Black Rock 2017

'2017 shows fine form after 2016 skipped. Gorgeous fynbos perfume, brambly berries & spice from 41% cinsaut, 39% syrah & carignan, co-fermented/aged in oak, 16 months, 15% new. Naturally fermented Swartland fruit. 2015 (5 stars, 95 pts) was syrah with splashes grenache & mourvèdre.' – Platter’s Guide, 4.5* (93/100)

Radford Dale, Black Rock 2015

‘2015 maintains fine form. Gorgeous fynbos perfume, brambly berries & spice from 40% syrah, 25% cinsaut, carignan, grenache & mourvèdre, co-fermented/aged in oak, 16 months, 20% new. Naturally fermented Swartland fruit, like 2014 (97 pts), our 2017 Red Wine of the Year.' – Platter's Guide, 5* (95/100)

Radford Dale, Black Rock 2014

‘Our Red Wine of the Year, this fine 2014 blend is delightful for sheer drinkability. Co-fermented Swartland carignan (37%), shiraz/syrah (35%), cinsaut, mourvèdre, grenache & viognier in which delicate lavender leads to juicy forest fruits & savoury spice.' – Platter's Guide, 5*

Radford Dale, Black Rock 2013

‘Brilliant 2013, medium-bodied blend of co-fermented Swartland syrah/shiraz, cinsaut, carignan, grenache, mourvèdre & viognier has delicate lavender perfume, juicy bramble/wild berry fruits & savoury spice, immediately accessible like 2012 but built to age.' – Platter's Guide, 5*

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