Spier Creative Block 5

Spier Creative Block 5: A Symphony of South African Excellence

Immerse yourself in the captivating depths of Spier Creative Block 5, a truly remarkable red blend from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. This deeply ruby-red wine, with an alcohol content of 14.12% vol, is a testament to meticulous winemaking and the unique terroir from which it hails. Crafted by the talented Cellar Master Johan Jordaan, Creative Block 5 is a Bordeaux-style blend, showcasing the harmonious interplay of five classic grape varietals. This thoughtful composition results in a wine that is both complex and approachable, offering a journey of discovery with every sip.

A Heritage of Quality: The Spier Story

Spier Wine Farm boasts an impressive heritage, dating back to 1692, making it one of South Africa's oldest and most respected wineries. Nestled within the picturesque Stellenbosch landscape, Spier is renowned not only for its exceptional wines but also for its unwavering commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. From meticulous foliage management in their vineyards to innovative winemaking techniques in their state-of-the-art cellar, every step of the process is undertaken with precision and a deep respect for the environment. Their vineyards, featuring 7 to 20-year-old vines, benefit from decomposed granite soils with a clay subsoil, situated on the southern side of Stellenbosch. Crucially, the vineyards are located up to 10 km from the False Bay coast, allowing cool oceanic influences to temper the ripening process, leading to grapes with concentrated flavours and excellent acidity. This dedication to quality and sustainability shines through in every bottle of Spier Creative Block 5, reflecting the very essence of South African winemaking at its finest.

An Engaging Sensory Experience

As you pour a glass of Spier Creative Block 5, its deep ruby red hue immediately draws you in, promising a rich and rewarding experience. The aromatic profile is wonderfully expressive, offering an array of dark fruit notes. Prominent aromas of blackberry, cherry, and blackcurrant unfold gracefully, creating a luscious fruit core. These vibrant fruit characteristics are beautifully complemented by a sophisticated layer of secondary notes. You'll discover the inviting warmth of cedar, the luxurious richness of dark chocolate, and intriguing hints of fennel. This aromatic complexity hints at the depth that awaits on the palate.

Upon tasting, the wine delivers a truly vibrant experience. The palate is characterised by its excellent balance and dense, well-structured tannins. These tannins provide a firm yet elegant framework, suggesting great ageing potential for those who wish to cellar this wine and witness its further evolution. The initial burst of dark berry fruit is sustained throughout the mid-palate, with the cedar and dark chocolate notes weaving through, adding layers of complexity and refinement. The subtle presence of fennel adds a unique, refreshing herbaceous lift that perfectly integrates with the fruit and oak. This is a wine that commands attention, inviting you to explore its nuances with each successive taste.

Serving Suggestions and Food Pairings

To fully appreciate the intricate character of Spier Creative Block 5, we recommend serving it at a temperature of approximately 16-18°C. Decanting this wine for an hour or so before serving will also allow its complex aromas and flavours to open up beautifully, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

This robust and flavourful red blend is an exceptional companion to hearty and rich dishes. It truly excels when paired with slow-cooked meats, where its dense tannins and vibrant fruit can cut through and complement the richness of the food. Consider these delightful food matches:

• Slow-cooked oxtail: The succulence of slow-cooked oxtail, with its deep, savoury flavours, finds a perfect partner in the structured tannins and dark fruit of the Creative Block 5.
• A rich beef casserole: A classic beef casserole, laden with root vegetables and a rich gravy, will be elevated by this wine. The wine's acidity and fruit concentration will harmonise with the stew's depth.
• Wild mushroom risotto: For a vegetarian option, a creamy wild mushroom risotto, with its earthy notes and umami richness, creates a superb pairing. The wine’s dark chocolate and fennel notes will beautifully complement the mushrooms.
• Roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic: The robust flavours of roasted lamb, particularly with aromatic herbs, will stand up to the wine's intensity, creating a memorable dining experience.
• Venison stew with juniper berries: For a more gamey option, a venison stew will find its match in the wine's dark fruit and subtle spice, creating a truly comforting and luxurious pairing.

Complementary Cheese Pairing

When it comes to cheese, Spier Creative Block 5’s structure and fruit concentration make it an ideal partner for aged, firm cheeses. We highly recommend pairing this wine with a mature Cheddar. The sharp, nutty notes of a good aged Cheddar will harmonise with the wine's blackberry and blackcurrant fruit, while the cheese's firm texture will be beautifully balanced by the wine's dense tannins. Other excellent options would include a mature Gouda or even a hard, aged Pecorino, which would similarly complement the wine’s depth and complexity.