The Navigator

Can be paired with any type of meat, grilled, roasted, braised or stewed.

The summer of 2018 was the driest in 50 years. So much so that we saw most of our wetlands vlei areas in the Agulhas Plain dry up completely. It was like living in a strange new world walking over dry, cracked mud in a vlei that is normally the home of the local Hippo pod. The winter started late at the end of May and it was only towards the end of Spetember that we saw the wetlands full of water again. The normal cool, dry, Spring conditions that we are so famous for resulted in a small but healthy crop. The rest of the growing season was moderate with cool, dry January and February. y significant rain during harvest was towards the middle of March, 55mm, and by then most of our grapes were safely in the cellar.

This special blend was matured for 18 months in 100% French oak, in a combination of 300 and 500 litre barrels. 30% new, the balance made up of second and third fill barrels.

The grapes were harvested over a 5 day period (first Shiraz followed by Grenache then Viognier) prior to co-fermentation. Fermentation temperatures were controlled between 22 and 26°C with a total of 21 days skin contact during fermentation. Pump-overs were effected twice daily.

Strandveld Vineyards lies between Elim and Cape Agulhas, just 9km from the sea, shaped by strong winds, cool temperatures, and a maritime climate. Its unique terroir of coastal conditions and diverse soils gives the wines their distinctive character. Inspired by early explorers, the vineyards were established in 2001 by pioneers drawn to this rugged, promising landscape.