At a glance

Producer

Bottelary Winery

Region

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Grape variety

Shiraz

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

Approximately $15-$25 per bottle retail (est.) - typical for South African Shiraz from this era and region, limited commercial secondary market data

Tasting profile

Developed aromas of dried red fruits (plum, cherry), leather, tobacco, earth, with tertiary notes of spice and subtle oak influence; medium to full-bodied palate with softened tannins and moderate acidity

Evolution: Fruit forward youth has transitioned to more savory and earthy complexity; fruit and structure fading gradually

At peak: At peak, balance of ripe fruit, integrated tannins, and emerging tertiary complexity with good length and harmony

Structure

Acidity

Moderate acidity typical of Stellenbosch Shiraz; sufficient to provide balance but generally less sharp than cooler climate counterparts

Tannins

Moderate to firm tannins in youth that likely have softened to a more balanced, integrated state; some drying astringency may appear with age

Alcohol

Typically around 13-14% ABV for 1990s South African Shiraz; alcohol likely well integrated now

Aging potential

Original aging potential of 10-15 years; extended bottle aging possible but with gradual decline past peak

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2007 to 2012

Optimal window

2005 to 2012

Current status

Past prime to mature

Current condition

Likely fully mature with some decline beginning; condition highly dependent on storage and provenance as 1997 is very old for a South African Shiraz

Peak drinking period between 2007-2012 reflects the maturation of tannins and complexity development from the original robust structure and fruit concentration. Over time, tertiary aromatics such as leather, spice, and earth dominate. After this stage, primary fruit fades and wine begins gradual decline in vibrancy and freshness.

Food pairing

Classic pairings include grilled or roasted red meats, game dishes, hearty stews, and spiced dishes such as South African bobotie. As the wine ages, pairings can extend to mushroom risottos, aged hard cheeses, and dishes with earthier flavors.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To allow the developed tertiary aromas to open up and to soften any evolved tannins or sediment from an older bottle

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Likely traditional practices of Stellenbosch region in the 1990s; sustainability efforts probably limited compared to modern standards

No specific sustainability certifications found for Bottelary Winery from this vintage era. Modern sustainability efforts in Stellenbosch have improved since then.