SIMONSIG RELEASES DOUBLE GOLD VINTAGE OF BORDEAUX STYLE FLAGSHIP

Simonsig has just released the Veritas Double Gold 2002 vintage of its renowned Tiara, the classic Bordeaux-style blend that proudly wears the crown as the estate’s flagship red wine.

Every vintage of this elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, reflects the character and quality inherent in the grapes as the plethora of prestigious international accolades garnered since the first Simonsig Tiara was bottled in 1990 attest.

“Our maiden Tiara released in 1992 was an instant hit as Wine of the Year of the Wine of the Month Club. The wine has since established itself in the global vineyard with an impressive track record that speaks for itself,” says Simonsig winemaker Johan Malan.

Malan loves the challenge of working with four different grape varieties as they allow enormous scope for the winemaker to be creative with his blending skills – an art that Simonsig has mastered well and for which the estate enjoys considerable acclaim as one of South Africa’s leading Bordeaux-style blend producers.

The 1997 vintage - which saw the first inclusion of Petit Verdot into the blend – was named Best New World Red in Decanter Magazine (UK) in the same year. This highly successful vintage also received the 2000 Wine of the Month Club award as top Bordeaux style blend.

Since the release of the 1999 vintage, Tiara clinched the overall No.1 spot at the 2005 Best Bordeaux Blends Challenge by VINOmania – the Russian alter ego of the British Wine Magazine – and scored the highest rating for this renowned Stellenbosch cellar with a 90-point score in Wine Enthusiast (USA) in 2006.

On home turf the wine has excelled as a gold medallist at the 2003 Michelangelo International Wine Awards; won gold and double gold at the 2004 Veritas Awards; clinched gold at the South African 2007 Calyon Trophy Bordeaux Blend Challenge and was named overall winner of the Wine-of-the-month Club 2007 Bordeaux Blend Tasting.

“To achieve great harmony, intensity and elegance is what we strive for when crafting our flagship and there is no room for compromise on quality,” added Malan who flies the second generation flag for this legendary family owned estate.

Driven by Cabernet, Simonsig Tiara 2002 is a sensual yet substantial wine. Juicy black currant and cassis flavours coat the palate with hints of truffles pointing to a strong Cabernet Sauvignon presence.

The firm, classic oak matured tannin structure has softened and shows a fine grained quality and great potential for further ageing. Intriguing with its dark brick red hue, the 2002 vintage is full-bodied with layered ripe berry fruit showing persistence from the mid-palate to the lingering aftertaste.

Simonsig Tiara 2002 complements robust beef and venison dishes exceptionally well and retails from R130 per bottle at selected fine wine outlets countrywide.

For more information or wine orders contact Simonsig Estate at Tel: (+27)21 888 4915 or visit www.simonsig.co.za.