Luddite 'Saboteur' Red Blend, South Africa 2021

Luddite is a boutique winery in the renowned Hemel-en-Aarde Valley of South Africa, established with a philosophy that embraces traditional, hands-off winemaking. Known for their uncompromising approach, Luddite seeks to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of their vineyards. The estate practices biodynamic farming, allowing the land to dictate the style of the wines, which are crafted with minimal intervention to preserve the purity and authenticity of the fruit.

• WINEMAKER: Niels Verburg

• FARMING: Certified Biodynamic

• VARIETY: 60% Shiraz, 15% Grenache Noir, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Mourvèdre. A small portion of the Grenache Noir is from the 2022 vintage which lifts the freshness and red fruit spectrum of this wine.

• TERROIR: The 'Saboteur' comes from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a cooler climate region known for its mineral-rich soils and maritime influence. The vineyards sit at an elevation of 200-300 meters, with cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean helping to preserve freshness and acidity in the grapes, while the terroir imparts a sense of place that is both complex and elegant.

• VINIFICATION: The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo fermentation with indigenous yeasts in open fermenters. This is followed by a gentle pressing and maturation in a combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, allowing the wine to retain its fruit-driven character while developing depth and complexity.

• AGING: Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, 20% of which are new, enhancing the wine's structure and adding subtle spice and texture to the blend.

• TASTING NOTES: The 2021 'Saboteur' Red Blend is a bold, yet finely balanced wine. Rich aromas of blackberries, plums, and cassis are layered with hints of dark chocolate, tobacco, and a touch of smokiness. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a vibrant acidity that carries the wine to a long, satisfying finish. The blend’s complexity and structure promise great aging potential, while its current expression is both approachable and refined.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Perfect with grilled meats, braised lamb, steak au poivre, or rich pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces.

• SCORES: 93 points - James Suckling; 92 points - Wine Advocate