1998 vintage guide for Red South Africa

South Africa 1998: Keep

A tricky, early vintage. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon produced the most successful wines

3/5

Weather Conditions

After localized frosts, a hot, dry season and heat-waves at start of harvest in January; a short season, with low yields but healthy grapes. Big, booming, flavoursome reds, for keeping.

Best Appellations

Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Swartland, Constantia, Durbanville, Robertson.

Best Producers

Stellenbosch: Bouwland (Pinotage); Delheim (Shiraz); De Trafford (Cab. & Shiraz & Merlot & BordeauxRes.); Eikendal (Merlot); Grangehurst Cab. Merlot & Pinotage & Bordeaux blend Nikela); Hazendal (Cab.Shiraz); J.P. Bredell (Shiraz, Pinotage); Kaapzicht (Pinotage, Steytler range & Pinotage Res); Kanonkop (Pinotage); Kleine Zalze (Shiraz); Lievland (Shiraz & Bordeaux blend, DVB); Slaley (Shiraz). Radford Dale (Merlot); De Trafford (Shiraz); Stellenzicht (Pinotage, Syrah). Vergelegen (Cab. & Merlot & Bordeaux blend Vergelegen); Vriesenhof (Pinotage); Waterford (Kevin Arnold Shiraz & Cabernet); Close Malverne (Cab.Pinotage blend).

Franschhoek: Bellingham (Cab. Franc. & Pinotage); Boschendal (Shiraz); Cabriere (Pinot Noir); Rickety Bridge (Shiraz).

Paarl: Amani (Pinotage) Berg & Brook (Pinotage Res. & Merlot); Fairview (Pinotage, Amos & Shiraz).

Paarl (Wellington): Venwouden (Bordeaux blend Classic & Merlot).

Swartland: Spice Route (Flagships Syrah & Pinotage).

Constantia: Steenberg (Merlot).

Durbanville: Diemersdal (Pinotage).

Robertson: Graham Beck (Shiraz, The Ridge).