Wine: Journey’s End Huntsman Shiraz Mourvedre Grenache

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Designation: W.O. Stellenbosch

Producer: Journey’s End

Grape Varietal: 73% Shiraz, 17% Mourvedre & 10% Grenache

ABV: 13.50%

Type: Red

Code: 8509

Tasting Note 

Medium-bodied with a deep ruby colour, this is a generous and fruity wine with aromas and flavours of forest fruits, blackberries and cinnamon spice. There are also subtle hints of green bell pepper and eucalyptus on the long finish.

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 are 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

The grapes are handpicked. 70% of the Shiraz and 100% of the Mourvedre and Grenache undergo traditional fermentations where grapes are hand sorted and destemmed before fermentation. 30% of the Shiraz is subjected to a carbonic fermentation method producing a completely different flavour profile adding complexity to the eventual blend. Malolactic fermentation of all varieties took place in large format barrels and the wine is left to mature for a further 12 months before being blended, fined and filtered.

Fun Fact

1811 marked the first-ever hunt in the Western Cape with hounds imported from Gloucestershire, UK. To this day, the Cape Hunt remains the oldest Hunt in the New World. Whilst looking for a spot to build the cellar, Rollo, the proprietor of Journey’s End, discovered the original foundations of the kennels where the hounds were kept. An apt place for the new build.

Food pairing

A delicious, easy-drinking summer red that is to be seriously enjoyed but not taken too seriously – cool down slightly for the ultimate summer braai/barbeque red. Enjoy with grills and meaty pizzas.

Awards & Accolades

3.7 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.”