Fresh cigar box, blueberry crumble, dark chocolate and a hint of aniseed. The smooth and textured tannins are bold but well-rounded and rich. Dark and red berry fruit such as raspberries, black currants and mulberries are underpinned by sundried black olives and dried lavender. The acidity adds vigour and balance, while lending length and elegance.
Technical Tasting Sheets:
Pairs perfectly with Chateaubriand, Boeuf Bourguignon or Beef Wellington.
The intense dry heat of the summer months certainly kept the viticulturists on their toes as they nursed the vineyards towards ripening. This resulted in a 30% reduction of crop size at De Grendel. However, although volumes were down, the dryness facilitated surprising benefits in the bunches that were perfectly formed and disease free. Our proximity to the cold Atlantic, excellent foliage management, and the Tygerberg itself shielded the grapes from sunburn. The resilience of the vines astounds, as they have borne fine fruit – smaller and more concentrated, promising excellent quality and depth of fruit in the wines.
The blend consists of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Petit Verdot, 9% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. A portion of the wine was made using the aerated pump over method in a closed tank with extended skin contact. The rest was made using the punch down method where a pneumatic punch down system was used four times a day and night. This punch down method ensures a much more concentrated extraction. The two portions were pressed separately and only blended before being transferred into new French Oak barrels where malolactic fermentation took place. The wine was matured in these barrels for a further 18 months.
2016
- Decanter Wine Awards 2020 94 Points
- Hong Kong IWSC 2020 Gold
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2020 Gold
- Tim Atkin South African Report 2020 90 Points
- Winemag Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report 2020 Top 10
2015
- China Wine & Spirits Awards 2018 Double Gold
- China Wine & Spirits Awards 2018 South African Wine of the Year
- James Suckling 2018 91 Points
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2019 Gold
- Mundus Vini Germany 2019 Gold
- Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards 2019 Gold
- South African Wine Index 2018 Platinum
- The Sommeliers Selection 2018 - Voluptuous/Rich Red
- Tim Atkin SA Report 2019 92 Points
- Veritas Awards 2018 Gold
- Veritas Awards 2019 Gold
2014
- International Wine & Spirits Competition 2016 Gold
- Korea Wine Challenge 2017 Gold
2013
- International Wine & Spirits Competition 2015 Gold
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2015 Platinum
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2017 Trophy
- Mundus Vini Germany 2016 Gold
- The Sommeliers Selection 2016 - Voluptuous/Rich Red
2012
- The Sommeliers Selection 2015 - Voluptuous/Rich Red
2011
- China Wine & Spirits Awards Gold
- Vitis Vinifera Awards 2014 Double Gold
2010
- Mundus Vini Germany 2013 Gold
2008
- Platter’s 4 Stars
2007
- Platter’s 4 Stars
- Veritas Double Gold
- Winemakers Choice Awards 2012 Diamond Award
2006
- Platter’s 4 Stars