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.
