Saronsberg Full Circle 2023

Saronsberg Cellar lies in the Tulbagh Valley, surrounded by the dramatic Winterhoek Mountains. The valley's warm days, cool nights and varied soils create favourable conditions for Rhône varieties, particularly Shiraz, while the cooler mountain influences help preserve freshness in wines with considerable concentration. Full Circle is Saronsberg's flagship Rhône-style red blend, bringing together Shiraz with Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier and Roussanne. The 2023 vintage continues the estate's long-standing approach of combining ripe, expressive fruit with careful oak maturation and firm but polished structure. The result is a wine with plenty of depth and richness, while retaining the freshness needed to keep the blend focused. The 2023 blend is 78% Shiraz, 10% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre, 3% Viognier and 2% Roussanne.

Colour: Deep, glossy purple with an almost opaque core.
Nose: Ripe plum, blackberry and dark blue fruit lead the aromatics, followed by violet, subtle mint and smoky oak spice. With time in the glass, hints of cedar, vanilla and cracked pepper add further complexity.
Palate: Full-bodied and concentrated, with layers of blackberry, ripe plum and dark cherry. The palate has a rich, velvety texture, supported by firm but finely textured tannins. Smoky spice, cedar and gentle oak add savoury depth, while the Rhône varieties contribute floral lift and freshness. Despite its richness, the wine remains composed rather than heavy.
Finish: Long and persistent, with fresh plum, dark fruit, cracked pepper and fine, dry tannins carrying through the finish. There is considerable depth, with the structure to become increasingly integrated with bottle age.