Fairview, Paarl (South Africa) Shiraz 2011

Deep, dark, and multi-layered, this Shiraz resembles a French Syrah from the northern Rhône more than an Australian Shiraz, as it offers notes of pepper, spice, and smoke alongside its core of dark, ripe fruit.  With no hint of rubber, a characteristic still far too prevalent in South African red wines, it tastes delicious now.  Given its firm structure and evident tannins, it should also provide satisfying drinking for another five to eight years.