2011 Eagles’ Nest Shiraz, Constantia
As fine a Shiraz as I have tasted out of South Africa. Eagle’s Nest has raised the bar in Constantia, with dramatically good wines from cool, steep vineyards at the foot of Table Mountain. This Shiraz is rich and concentrated, with a really fine structure, balance and texture – just emerging from its shell and showing great potential” Nick Adams MW
Eagles’ Nest’s vineyards are specialist red winemaking producers. The vineyards are located on some of the steepest slopes in agricultural use in the Cape, at between 150 and 400 metres above sea level facing north and east, as well as enjoying the only west-orientated slope in Constantia. Planted notably with the Bordeaux variety Merlot and, of course, the Rhône specialty Syrah – or Shiraz as they prefer to label, these wines have, in a very short time, received both local Platter and International acclaim. Due to the cooling influence, the wines achieve remarkable balance and vitality as well as power and richness.
Viticulture and winemaking practices have been overseen from the start by Kevin Watt and Cape legend, Martin Meinert, who made the first vintage in his Devon Valley cellar in 2005. Today, young winemaker Stuart Botha is beginning to take the lead. In less than a decade the Shiraz has become regarded as one of the Cape’s classics (a constant 5* Platter award winner) and continues to impress in tasting after tasting.
“Stuart Botha is one of the best young winemakers in the Cape and this intense, aromatic red demonstrates, yet again, his affinity with the grape.” DRINK 2014-2021 (DECANTER Magazine December 2014)
Tim Atkin MW: 19/20 (96/100)
Platter 5 star 2016 – Platter Wine Guide
Gold – Decanter World Wine Awards 2015 (2012 Vintage)
Drink with robust casseroles, chargrilled meats – even from the BBQ if the UK spring allows us!
£28 per bottle