The Wolftrap Syrah Mourvèdre Viognier 2006

Franschhoek, South Africa, $59, stelvin seal

I like the bottle and packaging this comes in - it's really very good for an inexpensive wine. Produced by Boekenhoutskloof who are located at Franschhoek in South Africa's Western Cape, 'The Wolftrap' Syrah Mourvèdre Viognier 2006 is made by Marc Kent who apparently won the 'Diners South African Winemaker of the Year' in 2007. When I popped it on Tuesday night I was overwhelmed by a big nose that oozed sweet fruits and a rich oakiness, Wednesday I was out eating Indian so it wasn't until Thursday that I re-acquainted myself with the rest of bottle. I was impressed with how much this improved over a couple of days; the sweetness subsided and some lovely, savoury flavours emerged.

'The Wolftrap' Syrah Mourvèdre Viognier 2006 is inky and dark in colour. The nose is a nice mix of blackberry and dark cherry with a few brambles and a deliciously big sprinkle of dusty coco (something I really associate with Mourvèdre). Drinking this is like walking a tightrope walk between sweet and savoury, there's hints of both, but it's balanced enough to keep us all safe. The palate has flavours of dark fruits; plums and berries, dirty old forest floor and a touch of tobacco. It's got a good mouth feel with clingy tannins and while it's a cheapie I would still recommend a decent decant. I like the sweet savouriness of these Rhone style blends and enjoyed The Wolftrap; an interesting wine that's a steal at $59.

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