Robertson Number One Constitution Road Shiraz 2010

The 2010 Robertson Number One Constitution Road Shiraz lives up to its lofty reputation as the winery’s flagship offering. From the wine’s saturated purple color through to its long, captivating finish which lingers long after it is swallowed, Robertson’s 2010 Number One Constitution Road Shiraz sings from the glass. Intense aromas of rich ripe blackberry fruit intertwined with seductive spice tones waft from the glass. In the mouth, what appears to be a forbidding opaque potion becomes a voluptuous elixir that caresses the palate with velvety fruit, hints of exotic spices and traces of black pepper – all chief calling cards of the finest Shiraz. And as the wine takes a long, well-deserved curtain call, supple fine-grained tannins combine with a pleasant patina of French oak to provide structure and lift. The 2010 Robertson Number One Constitution Road Shiraz is a mature wine that offers bold flavors without the after burn of so many younger, lesser Shiraz wines. Enjoy the 2010 Robertson Number One Constitution Road Shiraz now and for the next several years. For optimal enjoyment, we suggest at least 15-20 minutes of aeration before serving at cool room temperature (60°-64° F).

South Africa offers a multitude of culinary choices and more than its share of gustatory delights. By drawing upon South Africa’s multicultural make-up, which encompasses traditional African, Indian (South Africa has the largest Indian population outside of India) and European food traditions, Robertson’s 2010 Number One Constitution Road Shiraz possesses a nearly endless array of delicious accompaniments. South Africa’s tasty free range beef, lamb, antelope, and ostrich (prepared in a myriad of ways with or without exotic spices) provide wonderful complements to Robertson’s star wine. Simple slow cooked dishes offer good companionship, too. Consider brisket tacos: crispy beef brisket with arugula, broccoli slaw, aged white Cheddar and bourbon barbeque sauce. Spinach and goat cheese ravioli topped with a rich tomato sauce and served with sautéed mushrooms also makes a splendid partner to Robertson’s commemorative wine. Light curries and hard aged cheeses make fine companions, too. Enjoy!

Robertson Winery sprang to life in 1941 in an old chapel established by Scottish missionaries. Nestled between mountains in the Robertson Valley, the winery draws life from the nearby Breede River and a vibrant close-knit farming community founded in 1852 that counts seven generations of winemakers and a wealth of viticultural experience.

Although Robertson began operation in 1941, it wasn’t until 1984 that Robertson started bottling wine under its own label. Like many South African wineries, Robertson served as a source of wine for many of the nation’s top producers. With its acumen and experience, Robertson quickly assembled an incredible portfolio of South African wines, from high quality affordable varietals to robust hedonistic treasures that rival the best South Africa has to offer.

Robertson’s flagship offering is a voluptuous bold Shiraz named Number One Constitution Road (this month’s feature). Robertson Winery first released this special Shiraz in 2004 to commemorate ten years of democracy in South Africa under the new constitution. They continue to fashion this dense purple wine with enormous personality from the winery’s finest Shiraz grapes to celebrate the abundance that surrounds and sustains the community. The folks at Robertson suggest serving 2010 Robertson Number One Constitution Road Shiraz with a joyous gathering of family and friends as they celebrate abundance, a request we heartily endorse and are happy to make available to our members.