This blend, made up of 75% Shiraz, 14% Mourvédre, 6% Grenache and 2% Viognier, is a triumph of a modern mix. It’s also affordable at around R105.
45 minutes from Cape Town, the Diemersfontein Estate sits in the shadow of the grand Hawekwa Mountains. The first vines were planted in the 1970s by the father of current owner, David Sonnenberg. The 183 hectare farm benefits from fruitful soil, reportedly named in ‘the top 5% soil quality in the land’.
The Summer’s Lease gives you flavours including raspberry, sweet cherry, strawberry and plum, and it has a nose that offers spice, smoke and wood. The agile tannins make for a medium finish. It certainly requires aeration and best enjoyed just above room temperature.
Such a versatile wine, this would work well with many dishes but we would go for fresh pigeon breast with balsamic salads.