Wine: Journey’s End V3 Shiraz

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Designation: W.O. Stellenbosch

Producer: Journey’s End

Grape Varietal: Shiraz

ABV: 14.0%

Type: Red

Code: 8517

Tasting Note 

There are dark fruit flavours displaying dark cherry, raspberry and blueberry with hints of violets, white pepper and dusty savoury, smoky spice adding complexity. The tannins are silky and well integrated, the body is full, reminiscent of a Rhone Valley Syrah.

Producer

In 1995 the Gabb family, originally from Shropshire, UK, fell in love with a picturesque wine farm called Journey’s End and restored it to what it is today, now surrounded by 40 hectares of beautiful vineyards.

The Journey’s End vineyards are nestled amongst the Schapenberg hills, where lies 350 million year old decomposed granite soils being one of the most prestigious terroirs in South Africa. The vineyards benefit from the cooling and cleansing south-easterly wind, known locally as the ‘Cape Doctor’, which comes in from nearby False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Winemaking

90% of the hand-harvested Shiraz grapes are subjected to traditional fermentation with pumping over for flavour, aroma, colour and tannin extraction. Meanwhile, 10% of the grapes are subjected to immediate carbonic fermentation as whole bunches to add roundness to the mouthfeel. Ageing takes place in a combination of French and American oak for 18 months.

Fun Fact

Journey's End is the most southern vineyard in the Stellenbosch region overlooking the False Bay area. False Bay got its name because early sailors thought they had reached Table Bay & Cape Town, but that is further on from False Bay. Journey's End - because they thought it was where their journey ended.

Food pairing

Shiraz traditionally accompanies lamb dishes very well, from a classic roast lamb joint to slow cooked Moroccan lamb tagine.

Awards & Accolades

3.9 Vivino

Matthew Jukes “I am a massive fan of Journey’s End and I have written their wines up in my various columns, for years.”