With the flagship Savage Syrah led red blend selling out so quickly in its previous two vintages, it was only a matter of time before another red blend joined the Savage line up. 

The 2014 was the maiden release of the tantalising Follow the Line red, a blend of 58% Cinsaut from Darling, 21% Grenache from Piekenierskloof, and 21% Syrah from Noordhoek, with an alcohol of 13 degrees.

Tasting Note: This wine is brimming with energy and the ultra bright, vibrant, translucent ruby red colour gives you an idea of what’s to follow in the glass. On the nose, there is plenty of smokey, spicy, savoury red berry fruits, red apple skins, pot pouri, rose petal fragrance and red cherries with a most wonderful mineral undertone of dusty grey slate and crushed granite. While the palate is sleek and elegantly textured with polished mineral tannins, it’s also taught, ultra pure, and electrically fresh. This is a blend made in heaven. The taught fresh cherry and tart red berry fruited Cinsaut is complemented by the fleshy raspberry compote and plum spice of the Grenache, while the Syrah adds savoury muscle and shape. Expertly crafted, this wine really bares its soul. Drink now to 2025+ (Wine Safari Score: 95/100 Greg Sherwood MW).

I was lucky enough to taste this wine during production and when just bottled, pre-release, and always predicted a massive cult following for this stunning red from the outset. I could sense the demand building in the market after watching consumer’s reactions to Duncan’s first Savage Red release. So I guess the success of this wine was no surprise. Inevitable?

Nevertheless, I do enjoy the irony of his red success when his reputation was created in the mainstream with his multiple award winning white wines. Anyone who can tame the pyrazines of cool climate Cape Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon is obviously a very intelligent, highly gifted winemaker. Reds probably seem positively simple for him to make. 

I can’t wait to taste the 2016s when I visit Cape Town in the new year! 

Follow the Line retails for £29.99pb.