In 2014, The Smuggler’s Boot wines were first released. The name derives from the time of trade embargoes in South Africa when growers & winemakers smuggled grapevine material into the country by hiding the cuttings in Wellington boots. The Smuggler’s Boot range celebrates that ingenuity.
The 2016 GSM has attractive bright aromas of raspberry coulis, cracked black pepper and intense blackcurrant pastilles meld with warm demerara sugar. Fresh and juicy on the palate with a rich yet sandy texture, the wine slowly builds up in the mouth as the fine powdery tannins give a frame to the mid-palate which will allow the wine to age over the next few years. Complex already with the fleshiness of the Grenache entwined with the meaty edge of the Mourvèdre that between them bring flavours of raspberries, molasses, tiffin and red velvet cake to make for a delicious wine that extends far on the finish.
Food pairing would include roast leg of lamb; braised lamb shanks with gremolata and polenta; Moroccan tagine; spicy stews or casseroles or even a mild lamb korma, rosemary and peppercorn spiced lamb chops. BBQ meats are also a tremendous match for this wine. For those with a decent butcher game birds like pheasant work well. On the cheese front Jarlsberg; Cacio di Bosco; Chèvre or a decent aged Gouda cheese. Even French Onion Soup is a winner.
