Noble Hill Field Atlas 2021
Price: $18.95
Channel: LCBO Vintages
Producer: Noble Hill
Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape
Appellation: Simonsberg-Paarl WO
Grapes: Syrah (81%), Mourvèdre (11%), Viogner (6%), Grenache (2%)
Alcohol by Volume: 12.5%
Sugar Content: 2 grams per litre
I just wrote a column at The Hub about being a slave to familiarity and the temptation to sticking with wines and winemakers I know. By all accounts most wine consumers are motivated as much, if not more, by the fear of buying a crappy wine for the night’s dinner, than the hope of making a fantastic discovery. I am no different more times than I would care to admit.
However, once and a while I take a flyer on a wine I know nothing about, without recommendation nor curation, and I am reminded that with nothing ventured there is nothing gained. I bought a bottle of the 2021 Noble Hill Field Atlas expecting a big, concentrated Southern Rhône style red. Instead, I tasted a remarkably elegant, fresh and low alcohol dark cherry red fruited gastronomic wine that defied my lazy stereotypical thinking. I scored.
the 2021 Field Atlas is Syrah dominated. It’s a field blend, meaning all the grapes of varying types were picked, pressed and fermented at the same time. Closer to Cornas than Châteauneuf, the wine at five years is still full of persitant friut, seasoned by pepperiness and touch animal twang. It wants food. I recommend serving it slightly chilled, especially if dining outdoors – maybe half an hour in the fridge before bringing it to the table.
Pairs well with grilled sausages.