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90POINTS
16½/20
Natte Valley Swallow The Blend 2017
Coastal Region, South AfricaWe all know that any wine with a bird on the label has to be a good wine. Here's further proof. You'll forgive the short faux cork when you read what it has to say: "Made while listening to ..." and reels off a queue of wine-friendly artists, including Dire Straits and Bob Marley. Natte Valley winemaker Alex Milner is known for his cinsaults, releasing a range every vintage from numerous terroirs and regions around the Western Cape. Sparrow, however, is a testing field for new vineyards, and this year is a blend of mourvèdre and shiraz from different growing regions in the Coastal Region. This was aged for 18 months in small French barrels, with low intervention leading throughout. Gentle and alluring violets, plum, wild blackberries are seasoned with cracked white pepper and savoury charcuterie throughout. Finely grippy tannins house the dusky palate to the brisk finish. Acidity is fine but ample, easily enough to loft the 13 degrees. This medium / light red welcomes a slight chill (yay!) Smart winemaking, and reflective of authentic south african red blends today. More like this, please. Fantastic value.Tasted: 28 August 2019Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml | private wine shops |
Blend: Shiraz - Mourvèdre - CinsaultCSPC: 218426UPC: 6009800163032
