Tasting notes

A wine of an intense, deep garnet hue enhanced by the rich, spice-tinged aromas of dark berries and the elegant, delicate nose of plums. A well-balanced blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Shiraz,  and 15% Durif. Integrated tannins ensure both structure and longevity.

Food pairing suggestions

The Guardian pairs well with these particular dishes:

• Slow-roast lamb with cinnamon, fennel & citrus.

• Beef Steak with mushroom puff Tartlets.

• Fillet with beetroot & horseradish.

Climate/conditions

Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall situated between the cooler, wetter Boland and the harsher, drier Karoo. Cool nights enhance the veraison with warmer days for good phenolic ripeness and concentrated flavours.

Winemaking

Grapes are harvested, crushed, first fermented, stirred, and separated from the skins by a press. Second fermentation softens the acid from malic to lactic acid.

Each cultivar of wine is barrel matured for 18 months with French and Hungarian oak.

Each cultivar brings different building blocks to the blend.

Shiraz adds aromatic notes of smoke, black fruit, and pepper spice.

Cabernet Sauvignon tends to bring great intensity, great power, and weight to the wine.

Durif or Petite Sirah is one of the deepest, most opaque red wines with very high levels of anthocyanin (an antioxidant) and attractive weighted tannins.