THE CREATIVE Block range of wines from Spier in Stellenbosch is one that explores the art of blending, which in the case of No. 3 is about balancing the components of a Rhône-style combination, with Shiraz playing the leading role. The figure has to do with the number of varieties in the blend. And like its predecessors, the 2015 is rather good. A case of simple packaging, smart winemaking, superior quality.

Best in Class at the National Wine Challenge, one of the Top 3 blends at the Shiraz SA Challenge and double gold at the Michelangelo Awards. Classified as one of the country’s Top 10 Red Blends and Top 100 wines overall during the past 10 years. Given the price, a lovely example of over-delivery.

The other Creative Blocks? Both Bordeaux-style blends, the No. 2 a Sauvignon Blanc-led white, the No. 5 a Cabernet Sauvignon-led red, both also among the Top 10 in their respective classes.

Spier Creative Block 3 2015
WO Coastal Region – some of the fruit from Groenekloof, Darling, some from Stellenbosch. Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Grapes hand-sorted before pressing. Fermentation in tank followed by malolactic fermentation in 300L barrels: 90% French and 10 % American, 50% new and 50% second-fill, 16 months. Three varietal wines made separately before selective tasting and blending, the percentage of each variety variable with a view to optimum balance and harmony.
Alc 14.7 | RS 3.1 | TA 5.8 | pH 3.6
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Subtle perfumed notes of blackcurrant, blackberry and raspberry, pomegranate and mulberry are followed by spicy flavours of black pepper and coriander. Rich mid-palate complemented with concentrated fruit and dense, silky tannins.
Pairing Suggestions: Smoked pork belly or a mildly spicy Indian vegetable curry.
R159 pb at the cellar door.