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I dive into Oddbins as the splatter of rain develops a into a head-stinging hail storm. It is not going to pass quickly. With half a mind on pal Jeanne holidaying in her native South Africa I browse over the stacks of discounted bubbly and head to the SA shelves. Little inspires at the lower levels then, as I dismiss the idea of actually buying, an unprepossessing bottle rattles in a thunder-claps aftermath. A curse from outside as a market trader struggles with a sagging red tarpaulin, still bravely protecting the tat below as it bows under the weight of collected water and ice. I exchange a tenner and hover in the doorway as hail turns to rain and convince myself that another purchase was necessary; the excuse of Wine Blogging Wednesday about the best available. Head bowed against the rain, I crunch through the market homeward, wondering if Nigel Slater has anything in his diaries remotely South African.

Joubert-Tradauw Syrah.

Wine Tasting Note: Joubert-Tradauw Syrah, 2004, Klein Karoo, South Africa.
Available from Oddbins for £9.99
The deepest plum colour you can imagine; black almost, with a smidge of cherry around the rim. It’s young, deep and powerfully intense. Takes a while to open – something ripe, rich and blackberryish emerges but indicates, again, a youth in sulking reticence. The palate impresses. Ripe, full, rich, offering spice amongst the black fruits and manages to tuck a sprig of rosemary in there too. Fine gravel tannins, mineral mouth-feel and lingering fruit keep the finish interesting. It’s good, very good, and has plenty of potential to develop over the next few years. Alcohol 14.5%.
Scribblings Rating – 94/100

Wine Blogging Wednesday reaches its 19th round hosted by Wine Expression. The theme is Rhone grapes either from the region itself or from elsewhere across the globe.