Withington Wine Roan Ranger 2018
It’s 12pm and for the first time in more than a decade I am on holiday for the next week.
The weather has opened up to being a glorious summer’s day. I’m munching on the burned first batch of gingerbread men. And wondering how on earth I forgot to buy garlic for the roast. I’m also wondering why it took me this long to find this delicious blend of Grenache (65%), Cinsault (25%) and Mourvèdre from Darling!
The Wine:
Medium ruby with a delightful nose of rose petals, red plums, raspberries, cherries, leather, meat, smoky sun dried tomatoes, with faint cloves and black pepper filling in the backdrop. I've just sniffed the long empty bottle and couldn't prevent a sigh from escaping my lips.
Dry, medium bodied, soft tannins, and medium high acidity. The red fruits, especially the red plums, are repeated on the palate along with faint fynbos that lends extra structure to this super sippable wine.
Vini + Viti:
I don't know much about the making of this wine other than that all the grapes are sourced from Darling.
Conclusion:
Balance (1) + Length (½) + Intensity (½) + Complexity (1) = A good wine
Drink now, now, now!
Final thoughts:
This is far too easy to drink (I only managed to focus and make notes on the last half glass), far too well priced for the added complexity of the savoury meaty notes, and made by Charles Withington … our far too lovely friend and retail partner for Kunye. Each conversation with Charles brings a smile to my face as well as a feeling of relief. We inevitably chat about his impressive knowledge of SA’s wine history, and he challenges my wine knowledge and opinions. He’s an OG in the wine world…and I am so happy to be forging a friendship with him (albeit one sided as I keep tapping his wealth of knowledge and experience about the wine industry).
Charles, if you find this post, I have every intention of demanding that you host a Masterclass on the history of SA wines! Everyone else - order a case…it’s that yummy! It’s the kind of wine made for chilled summer sipping, but also layered enough to satisfy you on a chilly night at the fire.
A very Merry Christmas to all of you who are celebrating tomorrow.
