Spier Frans K Smit Red Blend 2018

Spier is a large and hospitable estate just outside Stellenbosch town with a complicated history dating back to 1692. The name derives from Speyer, the German home town of the man who acquired the original holding in 1712. A plethora of owners and eventual dereliction followed until it was restored and revived in 1965. In 1993 the part including the cellar and old buildings was acquired by businessman Dick Enthoven, who eventually also reunited the property with the lost name Spier in 2001. Already a grand development had begun, including establishing a virtually total experience for visitors on the splendid riverside setting. A crucial vinous continuity in modern times has been the presence of Frans Smith – in the cellar since the 1966 vintage, cellarmaster for well over a decade, and now MD. The range of wines is remarkable, sourced partly from its own substantial vineyard holdings. It is rare for a large producer to be known for excellence at both the rarefied and volume ends of the market. Notable too is Spier’s concern for sustainability, the environment, and employee well-being.