Case discounts (can be mixed cases) 5% off 6 bottles (£24.70 each)10% off 12+ bottles (£23.40 each) 2023 / Swartland / South Africa Mourvedre, Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Tannat / 14% / organic Charles Back was a pioneer in the region when he started Spice Route back in 1998 and, along with winemaker Charl du Plessis, they've been producing fantastic wines using a "hands off" approach - meaning they let the brilliant fruit shine through. Chakalaka is a Rhone inspired blend which subtly changes each vintage and is a wine which is both powerful and elegant at the same time. On the palate, there's ripe blackberry and damson plus white pepper and toasty oak. The palate is initially quite full and heady with layers of dark fruit, chocolate, white pepper, spice and well integrated oak. But it's all well balanced with juicy tannins and fresh acidity, and very moreish with a long, sweet finish. One for the summer BBQ with some charred red meat or perfect on a winter evening with a hearty stew.
