Strandveld The Navigator

The Strandveld The Navigator is a striking Rhône-style blend that pays tribute to Prince Henry the Navigator, a patron of early Portuguese exploration. This wine skillfully combines the robust and aromatic qualities of its constituent varietals—Shiraz, Grenache, and Viognier—to deliver a complex and layered wine experience. Although the description mentions Mourvèdre, it appears to focus primarily on the first three grapes in terms of composition.

Grape Varieties:

70% Shiraz: Provides the backbone with its rich, black berry flavors and spicy notes.
26% Grenache: Adds red berry fruit characteristics, fine tannins, and contributes to a long, satisfying finish.
4% Viognier: Introduces floral hints and a subtle aromatic lift, enhancing the overall bouquet of the wine.
Technical Analysis:

Alcohol: 14.31%, indicative of a wine with substantial body and the potential for aging.
Residual Sugar: 2.5 g/l, ensuring that the wine retains a dry profile while balancing the natural acidity.
Total Acidity: 5.2 g/l, contributing to the wine’s freshness and structure.
pH: 3.56, typical for a wine that balances fruitiness with acidity, enhancing its aging potential.
Tasting Notes:

Aroma: The Navigator opens with cool-climate spice notes, including white pepper and cloves, characteristic of Shiraz. The Viognier in the blend adds a layer of floral nuances that complement these spices, making the nose particularly enticing and complex.
Palate: On the palate, the spiciness of the Shiraz continues to play a prominent role, beautifully intertwined with the black berry flavors. The Grenache brings forward red berry fruits, enhancing the wine’s fruit profile and contributing to the overall smoothness. The fine tannins from the Grenache also ensure that the wine has a structured but elegant mouthfeel.
Finish: The finish is long and driven by the harmonious blend of spices and fruit, leaving a lasting impression that beckons another sip.
Food Pairing:
The Navigator’s robust profile and spicy, fruity notes make it an excellent companion to grilled meats, barbecue, and hearty stews. Its spice elements pair well with Moroccan lamb dishes, spicy sausages, or even a rich beef bourguignon. The wine’s structure and complexity also allow it to stand up well to mature cheeses.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this wine at slightly below room temperature, around 16-18°C (60-64°F), to best appreciate its complex flavors and aromatic profile. Decanting an hour before serving can help to aerate the wine and further enhance its expressive character.

Overall Impression:
Strandveld The Navigator is a beautifully crafted blend that captures the spirit of exploration and innovation. It is a wine that not only reflects the quality of its terroir but also the skillful blending of varietals to create a harmonious and deeply satisfying drinking experience. Whether enjoyed now or aged further, The Navigator promises to deliver richness and delight with every glass.