Wine Master Allan Mullins suggests a rich, spicy Shiraz blend for winter

LA MOTTE SHIRAZ-GRENACHE 2007  

The Shiraz-Grenache is part of this premium range that honours renowned South African landscape painter, Jacob Hendrik Pierneef.

The Shiraz (53%) from Wellington and Walker Bay and the Grenache (30%) and Mourvèdre (17%), both from Darling, each contribute different facets.

The nose has wafts of blackcurrant, black cherry, liquorice, roasted red pepper and clove.

PAIR IT WITH: Meat and game with lavish sauces. Try our hunter's game pie recipe or game steak with mushroom cream sauce.

Cellar price: R319

SIMONSIG THE SMV 2009

This blend of Shiraz (59%), Mourvedre (40%) and Viognier (1%) has a sweetish choc-coffee effect from being fermented at a higher temperature and maturing in contact with diced toasted French-oak staves.

The nose is a melange of roasted coffee beans, cinnamon and wild herbs, with a ?oral note from a dash of Viognier.

PAIR IT WITH: Wild mushroom risotto.

Cellar price: R75

JORDAN THE PROSPECTOR SYRAH 2008

In the 1800 gold rush, traces of tin and other minerals were discovered at Jordan Estate and Gary Jordan, a former geologist, attributes much of this wine character to them.

He describes the flavours as rich, dense, dark chocolate, fruit and fynbos interlaced with white pepper.

Oak maturation has added toastiness and spice to the flavour both on the nose and the palate.

PAIR IT WITH: Aged Chalmar sirloin - try it made with cracked black pepper and buttery beans.

Cellar price: R106.50

Note: prices correct as of June 2011