Forge Mill, Shiraz Cinsaut Mourvedre, 2022
Forge Mill, Shiraz Cinsaut Mourvedre, 2022
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 13.5%
- Shiraz, Cinsaut, Mourvedre
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An exciting blend of Shiraz and Cinsault full of ripe berry fruit aromas that follow into a juicy, well structured palate and silky-smooth finish.
This 2022 blend is drinking beautifully now with its primary fruit character at its peak. Over the next 2-3 years, the Mourvedre will contribute more structure and earthy complexity while the Shiraz develops pepper and spice. The Cinsaut will maintain the wine's freshness and bright fruit core. Best consumed by 2030 while the vibrant berry character remains prominent.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby red with purple edges, displaying the youth and vibrancy of the 2022 vintage.
NoseRipe blackberry and plum aromas dominate, lifted by the Cinsaut's bright red fruit character. Subtle spice and garrigue herbs emerge from the Mourvedre component. The Shiraz provides depth with darker fruit and a touch of pepper.
PalateJuicy berry fruit fills the mouth with excellent structure from well-integrated tannins. The blend creates layers of flavour, from bright red cherries to deeper blackcurrant and plum. Medium to full body with balanced acidity that keeps the wine fresh and approachable.
FinishSilky-smooth with lingering berry fruit and a gentle spice that speaks to the thoughtful blending.
Overall impressionA well-crafted blend that marries the power of Shiraz with the elegance of Cinsaut and structure of Mourvedre.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the fruit flavours to express themselves fully. No decanting required for current drinking, though 30 minutes of breathing will help integrate the blend components. Use medium-sized red wine glasses to concentrate the berry aromas while allowing the wine's freshness to shine.
The 2022 growing season in the Western Cape presented winemakers with a challenging yet ultimately rewarding year. Cool, wet conditions during winter provided excellent soil moisture reserves, followed by a relatively mild summer with fewer extreme heat spikes than recent vintages. However, increased rainfall during the harvest period required careful vineyard management and selective picking to maintain quality. Many producers reported extended harvest windows, allowing for better phenolic ripeness while preserving natural acidity levels across different vineyard sites.
The resulting wines display excellent balance and freshness, marking 2022 as a vintage of elegance rather than power. Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc performed particularly well, showing vibrant acidity and pure fruit expression. Red varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah developed complexity while retaining structure, though yields were variable depending on location and producer selection. The better examples are drinking beautifully now for immediate pleasure, while premium reds will reward cellaring for 5-8 years. This vintage may not achieve the legendary status of the great Western Cape years, but it offers consistently well-balanced wines with strong food-pairing potential.
FAQs
What makes this blend of Shiraz, Cinsaut and Mourvedre work so well?
Shiraz provides the backbone of dark fruit and structure, Cinsaut adds bright red berry fruit and freshness, while Mourvedre contributes tannin structure and earthy complexity. This combination creates a wine with both immediate appeal and underlying substance.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 16-18°C in medium-sized red wine glasses. The wine doesn't require decanting but benefits from 30 minutes of breathing time to allow the three grape varieties to integrate fully.
What food pairs best with this style of blend?
The wine's juicy fruit character and medium body make it excellent with grilled meats, particularly lamb and beef. It also works beautifully with Mediterranean dishes featuring herbs and tomatoes, or charcuterie boards with cured meats.
When is the best time to drink this 2022 vintage?
This wine is at its peak now through 2030. The primary fruit flavours are most vibrant in the first few years, though the Mourvedre component will add complexity over time.
Is this wine suitable for cellaring?
While enjoyable now, this wine will develop additional complexity over 3-4 years as the blend integrates further. However, it's designed more for medium-term drinking than long-term cellaring, with optimal drinking until 2030.
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