Spier Creative Block 2021

Spier is one of South Africa’s most historic and well-respected wineries, with a winemaking heritage dating back to 1692. Situated in Stellenbosch, the estate is known for its commitment to sustainability, ethical farming, and producing wines that reflect the region’s exceptional terroir. The Creative Block range is inspired by Spier’s support for contemporary South African artists, blending different varietals to create wines that are complex, expressive, and well-balanced. The 2021 Creative Block 5 is a sophisticated Bordeaux-style blend that showcases depth, elegance, and structure, making it one of the standout reds in Spier’s portfolio.

The grapes for this blend are sourced from Stellenbosch’s best vineyard blocks, where decomposed granite soils and cooling ocean breezes create optimal conditions for slow ripening. Each varietal—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot—is vinified separately before careful blending. The wine is aged for 18 months in a mix of 70% new and 30% second-fill French oak barrels, adding complexity and refined tannins while preserving the purity of the fruit.

Appearance: Deep, inky ruby with a garnet-tinged rim, showing its youth and potential for ageing. The wine is intensely concentrated, with slow, defined legs that hint at its full-bodied nature and well-integrated alcohol. As it swirls in the glass, the colour remains dense and opaque, suggesting richness and structure.

Aroma: Powerful and complex, with layers of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and plum. Notes of cigar box, graphite, and crushed violets add depth, while hints of dark chocolate, cedar, and spice emerge from the oak ageing. A touch of dried herbs and earthy minerality enhances the wine’s elegance, making it both expressive and refined.

Taste: Bold yet polished, with luscious black fruit flavours of cassis, blackberry, and mulberry. The tannins are firm but silky, providing excellent structure and ageing potential. Notes of espresso, tobacco, and clove add complexity, while a fine mineral thread runs through the palate, giving the wine balance and freshness. A touch of vanilla and toasted oak rounds out the rich, layered profile.

Finish: Exceptionally long and persistent, with lingering dark fruit, savoury spice, and refined tannins. The wine’s structure suggests great ageing potential, with evolving notes of mocha, pencil shavings, and a delicate smokiness adding intrigue as the flavours fade. The finish is both elegant and powerful, leaving a lasting impression of depth and finesse.

Food Pairing:
Slow-roasted beef fillet with a black pepper crust, where the wine’s tannins and dark fruit complement the meat’s richness.
Lamb shank braised with rosemary and red wine, allowing the wine’s herbal and spice notes to enhance the dish’s depth of flavour.