2018 Rall Red
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Red comprises Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault. It has what you might call a “ballsy” nose of black plum, raisin, touches of Christmas cake and menthols that could have been overblown were it not in the hands of a talented winemaker. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly tart entry and flavors of tarry black fruit laced with tobacco and dried blood. Not tremendously long in the mouth but it retains fine tension. Very fine.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Not many clues on the label of Donovan Rall's wine defiantly labelled South African Red. But his partiality for Swartland fruit is well known, even if he has increasingly to supplement it from elsewhere. The most recently example detailed on his website is the 2012 version. In the past, at least, this has been a blend of red Rhône varieties in which Syrah is dominant. 6,600 bottles of 'naturally fermented' wine produced. The nose of this one is wonderfully savoury, densely woven and complex. Still youthful and leathery. Very proper, rather Frenchified (ie reticent) wine if D Rall will permit the comment. Still needs a bit of time but is clearly built for the long term. Very much a food wine with that dry finish and its fine-grained tannins. Refreshing. (JR)
About the producer
Working with fruit from the Swartland, Piekenierskloof, Darling and Stellenbosch, Donovan Rall is one of South Africa’s top winemaking talents. He created his own label in 2008, while working alongside Eben Sadie, and now consults on various projects as well as making his exception Rall wines.
Product details
Syrah / Shiraz, Grenache/ Garnacha , Cinsault, Carignan
Red
Dry