2012 Saronsberg Cape Winemakers Guild Sneeusig Shiraz

Estate: Saronsberg Cellar

Region: Tulbaugh, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa



Tasting Note:December 1, 2017

Fourth of the reds in our South African blind tasting. This bottle is a unique one. Of the 60 cases produced only 42 were auctioned off at the Cape Winemakers Guild last year. Deep purplish ruby red with a powerful nose out of the bottle. Notes of caramel and perfume mixed in with smokiness and red berries underneath. Medium tannins (6.5/10) and medium plus to full bodied. Black cherries on the attack with some spices, twigs and stoniness coming through the long finish.


Similar to Premiere Napa Valley is the Cape Winemakers Guild auction in South Africa, which is focused around the winemakers rather than the wine estates. This bottling is made up of 100% Shiraz by Dewaldt Heyns and aged in new French oak barrels for 20 months. Only 60 cases produced with 42 being auctioned in 2016.

Drink Dates:

2017 till 2029.

Rating:

93 points.

Price Point:

$$$ - Purchased at the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction and after shipping to the States, this had a final cost of around $105.00. Average bid at auction in 2016 was R6,867.00 ($82.50 a bottle) a case. Highest bid was R7,400.00 ($88.91 a bottle) and lowest bid was R6,400.00 ($76.89 a bottle).


Tasting Note:June 02, 2017

Deep garnet ruby red. A bit stinky on the nose with savory, meaty, and gamey notes. A touch smoky too with a touch of sweet spices and red berries undertone. Heavy tannins (7/10) and full bodied. Dark fruit on the attack with solid stoney notes. Some sweet spices too and more red fruits coming through. Long and lingering finish.


Similar to Premiere Napa Valley is the Cape Winemakers Guild auction in South Africa, which is focused around the winemakers rather than the wine estates. This bottling is made up of 100% Shiraz and aged in new French oak barrels for 20 months. Only 60 cases produced, of which 42 were put up for auction.

Drink Dates:

2017 till 2027.

Rating:

93 points.

Price Point:

$$$ - After shipping to the States, this had a final cost of around $105.00