Ken Forrester The Gypsy 2017

Ken Forrester The Gypsy 2017: A Seriously Impressive Rhône-Style Red

Ken Forrester The Gypsy 2017 is a beautifully layered, complex South African red with real depth, but without becoming heavy or overdone. Inspired by the great blends of the Southern Rhône, this is one of Ken Forrester’s flagship wines: rich, spicy and generous, with enough freshness and structure to keep everything beautifully in balance.

Ken Forrester is one of Stellenbosch’s best-known producers, particularly famous for showing just how exciting South African Chenin Blanc can be. The Gypsy takes things in a different direction, bringing together Grenache, Syrah and a small amount of Mourvèdre in a distinctly Rhône-inspired style. For the 2017 vintage, the blend is 71% Grenache, 27% Syrah and 2% Mourvèdre, with the Grenache coming from exceptionally old vines planted in 1959.

The fruit was hand-picked, with only the first ripe bunches selected. After fermentation, the wine spent 12 months in old French oak before another selection was made; the final blend then returned to barrel for a further 12 months. That long, patient maturation gives The Gypsy its wonderfully integrated texture and complexity without allowing the oak to dominate the fruit.

There is plenty going on in the glass: concentrated red fruit and bramble sit alongside darker fruit, warming nutmeg, cinnamon and spice, with touches of vanilla and gentle oak underneath. There is a lovely ripeness and almost honeyed warmth to the fruit, while the palate is full, textured and layered, with polished tannins and a long, savoury finish. It is a wine with real depth, but one that becomes increasingly expressive as it opens up. If drinking it now, giving it some time in a decanter is well worth it.

Ken Forrester The Gypsy 2017 Food Pairing Suggestion:

This is made for proper, flavourful food. Try it with slow-roasted lamb, grilled beef or venison, or go for something rich and earthy such as mushroom risotto or truffle pasta. The combination of ripe fruit, spice and savoury depth works particularly well with roasted and charred flavours.

About Ken Forrester The Gypsy 2017:

• 71% Grenache, 27% Syrah and 2% Mourvèdre.
• The Grenache comes from vines planted in 1959 on decomposed granite soils.
• Aged for around two years in old French oak, with a barrel selection made halfway through maturation.
• Ken Forrester describes The Gypsy as its South African interpretation of a traditional Southern Rhône blend.
• Designed to age well, although already rewarding with some time in a decanter.

Ken Forrester The Gypsy 2017 Awards:

Platter’s 2022 – 4½ Stars, 94 Points.