The 2012 Goats do Roam Red is a blend of 46% Syrah/Shiraz, 23% Grenache, 17% Mourvedre, 11% Cinsault and 3% Durif/Petite Sirah sourced from multiple vineyards in South Africa’s Western Cape wine region. The name, Goats do Roam, is a play on the Cotes du Rhone AOC grape growing area in the Rhone Valley in France. The Goats du Roam wine is inspired by the Cotes Du Rhone wines and use approved Rhone Valley Red grape varietals, but Fairview Wines, the owner of Goats do Roam, also make award winning goat cheese and have a herd of goats at the winery. Each grape varietal was fermented separately and they used yeast imported from the Rhone Valley for fermentation. The individual grapes were aged in both stainless steel and oak barrels for a time and then the wine was blended and bottled. This is a Red blend that you should be able to find for $10 and maybe a bit less. The alcohol content is 14%.
The color is an opaque cherry red. The nose is a mix of red fruit and spice with some savory notes. There is a nice overall balance to this wine. It starts with cherries and plums, cinnamon spice, licorice and blood orange. The mid palates brings herbs and curry spice along with a parting hit of cranberry. The tannins do not bite and the acidity is balanced. The finish is vivid and long.
The 2012 Goats do Roam Red is a worthy Rhone style blend, soft and approachable, while still maintaining a pleasing array of flavors and textures. Serve this blend with interesting cheese, savory small plate dishes or non traditional pizza. Ten bucks gets you a very solid taste of both South Africa and the Rhone Valley.
