Simonsig Merindol Syrah 2010 clinched the coveted 5-star rating in the 2013 Platter’s South African Wine Guide, rewarding the innovative spirit of the Malan family wine dynasty in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands.

The latest release of Simonsig’s flagship impression of this Rhône varietal, the Merindol Syrah 2010 is one of 10 Shiraz wines to earn a 5-star rating in the 33rd edition of this definitive South African wine guide that features over 900 South African wine producers, merchants and brands and over 7,300 locally produced wines.

With its velvety texture, the fruit driven Simonsig Merindol Syrah 2010 also earned a Gold Medal at the 2012 Veritas Awards that took place earlier this year, carving a niche for Simonsig Shiraz in the South African market.

“It is very rewarding to be acknowledged as one of the country’s top ambassadors of this red wine variety, not by just one, but two authoritative groups of opinion leaders in the South Africa wine stakes,” says Simonsig Cellarmaster Johan Malan.

The name, Merindol, is taken from the Malan family coat of arms brought to South Africa by the French Huguenots and this exceptional single vineyard Shiraz is shaped by grapes of outstanding quality managed with meticulous care in the vineyards and Simonsig’s quintessential terroir.

With a cellaring potential of up to ten years, the Simonsig Merindol Syrah 2010 is the perfect accompaniment to pan-fried Kudu, stuffed quail and roast duck. The wine sells for R225 at the cellar door and can also be found at selected wine stores country wide.