Rustenburg Roxton Shiraz Western Cape South Africa 2006

14.5%  Produced by Rustenberg Wines, Stellenbosch, S. A.
Imported by Afrilink Corp. Portland, OR
93% Shiraz, 3% Mourvedre, 2% Grenache, 2% Viognier
16 months oak aged

Nice nose of fruit, herb and leather. Clean and fairly smooth. Elements of ink and maybe mint. Not fruit forward but there is some there under a layer or two. Nice bitter and tart finish. Not much length on the palate, but tasty and balanced with the Syrah components I look for. A nice South African representative for the Shiraz/Syrah Rhone Rangers around the world. (Tar and smoke on second go around). (Still find S.A. wines heavy and maybe over oaked...Lacking the lightness for good balance). Tried it again, oaky and strong but still good.