La Motte has just held its annual Shiraz Experience, this year in Johannesburg, and I am very happy to report that South African wines once again held their own in blinding tastings against some of the very best Shirazs from around the world.
A tasting panel of 30 people voted Australia’s 2001 Penfolds Grange as the top wine, followed by South Africa’s 2007 La Motte Pierneef Shiraz Viognier and, in third place, the 2008 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah.
South African wine judge and writer Michael Fridjhon, in photo above, spoke about current Shiraz trends at the invitation-only event which was held at Athol Place. The 10 wines tasted came from four countries and included:
South Africa
— 2008 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah
— 2008 Eagles Nest Shiraz
— 2007 Haskell Pillars Syrah
— 2007 La Motte Pierneef Shiraz Viognier
France
— 2004 Chave Hermitage
— 2004 Clape Cornas
— 2004 E Guigal Cote Rotie, La Turque
California
— 2006 Pax Kobler Hill Family Vineyard Shiraz
Australia
— 2001 Penfolds Grange
— 2005 Torbreck Run Rick Shiraz
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