Globally renowned UK-based Master of Wine Tim Atkin has awarded Medals of Excellence to five of Spier’s wines for each achieving a rating of 90 or above.
Featured in Tim’s just-launched 2021 South Africa Special Report, the medal winners are two Bordeaux-style red blends and three wines from our heritage-inspired range of single varietal wines, 21 Gables.
“Tim’s annual assessment of the state of South African wine is a highly respected must-read for wine lovers in the know,” says Spier Cellar Master Johan Jordaan. “We’re delighted by this recognition of our commitment to crafting wines — both single varietal and blends — of the utmost quality.”
SPIER’S MEDAL WINNERS
Two brilliant Bordeaux-style blends:
Spier Creative Block 5 2018 (93 points):
Tim’s take: Ripe, bold and concentrated. Cabernet Sauvignon leads the blend, followed by 53% Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Perfumed, glossy and textured with lots of coffee bean oak and layers of blackcurrant, fig and blackberry fruit.
Jordaan says: “This is a true symphony of a wine, with Bordeaux varietals led by Cabernet Sauvignon achieving a perfect, rousing harmony. If you ever need a standout performance from a red come dinnertime, then this is your blend.”
Spier Frans K Smit Red 2017 (92 points):
Tim’s take: [A] dense, full-throttle Bordeaux blend is made from a melange of Cabernet Sauvignon with 50% Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Extracted, focused and built to age in bottle, it has lots of new wood, damson and blackcurrant fruit and plenty of underlying grip.
Jordaan says: “We crafted this with grapes exclusively grown on the slopes of the iconic Helderberg. It offers memorable, majestic proof as to why this is arguably the best spot to grow Bordeaux varietals in the country."
The exquisitely crafted culmination of over three centuries of winemaking history:
Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2019 (92 points):
Tim says: Plush and tropical, with nicely integrated oak, flavours of honey and pineapple, supporting acidity and some cinnamon spice.
Jordaan says: “This Chenin combines rich and ripe flavours with complexity and poise.”
A host of accolades – garnered both at home and abroad – includes five stars from Platter’s and Gold at the 2021 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
Spier 21 Gables Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (91 points):
Tim’s take: All sourced from the False Bay side of the Helderberg, this comes from comparatively young vines but is not short of concentration. Ripe, fleshy and assertively wooded, with damson, cassis and dried herb flavours, stony reduction and a textured finish.
Jordaan says: “Open this mysterious and majestic beast and you’ll have instantly ensured your meal is set to be a special one, with opulent cassis and cedar flavours, a full body and concentrated structure.”
The wine scooped Gold at the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Spier 21 Gables Sauvignon Blanc 2020 (90 points):
Tim says: Spier's 21 Gables release comes from two Atlantic Ocean-facing vineyards on the Tygerberg. It's an intensely green, herbal style with mangetout and dill flavours, some leesy weight and a mouth-watering finish.
Jordaan says: “This perfectly balanced Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate, stylish partner for a memorable seafood feast.”
Adored by the critics, the wine won Gold at the 2021 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and garnered 4.5 stars from Platter’s.
Spier wines can be tasted and purchased at the farm in Stellenbosch and are widely available at retail outlets and supermarkets and online at shop.spier.co.za.