Description
Simonsig Tiara 2020 is the estate’s flagship Bordeaux-style red blend, led by Cabernet Sauvignon and built to show both stature and precision. This is a Stellenbosch red that brings together ripe fruit, layered oak influence, and a polished tannic frame, but it does so with enough freshness to keep the wine focused rather than heavy. For drinkers who appreciate premium South African blends with classical structure and strong cellaring potential, Tiara makes a confident case.
The nose opens with bright red berry notes and a lively cranberry edge before deepening into cassis and black plum. Subtle earthy notes run through the aromatics, adding shape and complexity without dulling the fruit. On the palate, the wine shows immediate concentration and fruit sweetness, layered with dark chocolate and a gentle earthy note that adds depth. The tannins are elegant and silky, giving the wine a smooth, controlled texture, while the finish stays long and harmonious, carried by lingering berry freshness and soft spice. It would pair especially well with roast lamb, beef fillet, duck, or slow-cooked braises where its fruit, structure, and oak can settle naturally into the meal.
Already highly expressive, this is a wine with the balance and framework to age gracefully, gaining even more nuance as the fruit, tannin, and oak continue to knit together.
The nose opens with bright red berry notes and a lively cranberry edge before deepening into cassis and black plum. Subtle earthy notes run through the aromatics, adding shape and complexity without dulling the fruit. On the palate, the wine shows immediate concentration and fruit sweetness, layered with dark chocolate and a gentle earthy note that adds depth. The tannins are elegant and silky, giving the wine a smooth, controlled texture, while the finish stays long and harmonious, carried by lingering berry freshness and soft spice. It would pair especially well with roast lamb, beef fillet, duck, or slow-cooked braises where its fruit, structure, and oak can settle naturally into the meal.
Already highly expressive, this is a wine with the balance and framework to age gracefully, gaining even more nuance as the fruit, tannin, and oak continue to knit together.
The 2020 vintage followed a season of improved winter rainfall and higher dam levels, which enhanced water availability and supported even bud break and healthy fruit development. After some wind during flowering and December rain, the rest of the season was marked by moderate temperatures and dry conditions, resulting in an above-average crop of healthy, high-quality grapes. The fruit was harvested at optimum ripeness and sorted carefully in the vineyard before destemming and a two-day cold soak.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were fermented in tank with gentle pump-overs, spending 10 to 22 days on the skins before pressing. Cabernet Franc and Malbec were fermented in open-top fermenters with a mix of punch-downs and pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrel. The wine was blended after eight months of aging, then returned to barrel for a further 12 months, with three rackings completed before bottling.
Total maturation was 20 months in French oak, using 65% first-fill, 20% second-fill, and 15% third-fill barrels.
Winemaker: Johan Malan
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were fermented in tank with gentle pump-overs, spending 10 to 22 days on the skins before pressing. Cabernet Franc and Malbec were fermented in open-top fermenters with a mix of punch-downs and pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrel. The wine was blended after eight months of aging, then returned to barrel for a further 12 months, with three rackings completed before bottling.
Total maturation was 20 months in French oak, using 65% first-fill, 20% second-fill, and 15% third-fill barrels.
Winemaker: Johan Malan
Named after the majestic views of the Simonsberg Mountain, Simonsig Estate is situated in the famous Stellenbosch Winelands just 45 km east of Cape Town. Simonsig Wine Estate comprises 302 hectares with 210 hectares (518 acres) under vines. The ancient soil types consist of sandstone, decomposed granite and shale. All the vineyards receive supplementary irrigation.
The estate was voted top wine producer by no less than three South African wine competitions and bears numerous accolades, including South Africa's Top Shiraz and Woman Winemaker of the Year.
The estate was voted top wine producer by no less than three South African wine competitions and bears numerous accolades, including South Africa's Top Shiraz and Woman Winemaker of the Year.
