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Named after the majestic views of the Simonsberg Mountain, Simonsig Estate is situated in the famous Stellenbosch Winelands just 45 km east of Cape Town.  It all started with the vision of French Huguenot Jacques Malan in 1688, and has since grown into one of the most recognized and legendary wine estates of South Africa, with a wealth of experience and wine knowledge that has been accumulated over many generations.

The late Frans Malan, beloved patriarch of the Malan Family, was one of the pioneers of the South African wine industry, introduced numerous Simonsig ‘firsts’, including the introduction of South Africa’s first Méthode Cap Classique, the Kaapse Vonkel.  He was also a co-founder of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.

His legacy continued with his three sons, Pieter, Francois and Johan.  Johan has been the wine making force behind many Simonsig legends since the early 1980’s and has always worked closely with the viticulturist, his brother Francois in the vineyard.  Johan believes that ‘quality originates in the vineyards’ and ‘you must have an intimate knowledge and experience of your vineyards and soils’ - the corner stone of his wine philosophy. The winemaker must nurture what nature provides so the wine becomes an extension of the vineyard and reflects its sense of origin and place.

In homage to a legendary wine estate, pioneering family and master winemaker, the Mosaic team celebrated their legacy with the 3^rd generation of the Malan family, Francois Jnr by opening a bottle of Shiraz made by his uncle in 1989!

Cultivar:  100% Shiraz

Winemaker:  Johan Malan

Ullage:  No ullage visible.

Cork:  Cork saturated but still in good condition.

Color:  Brick red color, showing a slight tawny rim with some sediment in the glass.

Bouquet:  The nose still showed some fresh red fruit aromas with a hint of fynbos and other garden herbs and vegetables, slowly evolving with subtle notes of old leather and tobacco leaf.  After some time in the glass the nose begins to show the characteristic spicy Shiraz notes of white pepper with a lovely herbaciousness.

Palate:  The wine is still smooth with beautiful red fruit flavors and a slight meaty character, while retaining a lovely minty freshness.  This is still a well-structured wine with good tannins and a lovely balance – at only 12% alcohol this is a gem! The finish is long and fruity with a lovely complexity.

Food Pairing:   We do not recommend keeping this wine for much longer as it is ready to drink now.

Score:  88/100

Santé!

Germain