I’m not one to buy wines for their labels, except when required by Wine Blogging Wednesday. I have also steered (mostly) clear from the so-called “critter labels” but I’m not as adamant about this as some other wine bloggers. It took a recommendation from fellow podcasters The 3 Wine Guys for me to pick up this bottle for review.
The whimsically named, “Goats do Roam”, is a take-off on the famous Côtes du Rhône. The former comes from South Africa, while the later is from the well known French wine region. Both wines are made from blends of some of the same grape varietals and the result is somewhat like one would assume the wine to be from the name with a South African twist. That twist is that Goats do Roam is made from about 30% Pinotage, the grape developed in France but most identified with South Africa. True Rhône wines would not be allowed to use this grape or the Gamey Noir and Carignan found in this South African red. The similarity from a varietal perspective is the use of Shiraz (Syrah), Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre which are among the varietals allowed in French Rhône wines. As might be expected from serious French vignerons, this name raised a few eyebrows a couple years back. All seems to have returned to normal and we can now safely enjoy this slightly earthy, food friendly red.
Fairview, “Goats do Roam” Red, Western Cape, South Africa 2004 ($10) – Dark ruby in color with aromas of black cherry and vanilla. In the mouth, it’s smooth and juicy with earthy raspberry fruit flavors with some pepper and the slightest dusting of tannin on the finish. A nice value. Think I’ll see what these goats do in villages next 🙂
14% ABV
Stelvin closure
Score: 85