Presenting a superb discovery from a historic and spectacular producer on Stellenbosch mountain. Up here you can see all the way to Cape Town harbour … and, with this great red, you can enjoy richness and maturity seldom available at this low price.
This comes from the Delaire Estate where they can trace their roots back to 1688 when French Huguenots arrived in South Africa and trekked over Stellenbosch Mountain to establish the town of Franschhoek (‘Corner of France’). The estate is way up on the crest of Helshoogte Pass, where settlers would look out for trade ships arriving in Cape Town.
Delaire is given a 4-star rating by Platter’s South African Wine Guide and upholds its French heritage in this Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Cabernet Franc (a blend synonymous with good claret). Like Bordeaux’s finest, this has been lavished more than a year in French oak barrels, adding a vanilla richness to its ripe cassis and mulberry flavours. Mature savoury notes (this ’05 is just hitting its peak), supple tannins and velvety texture.
Aroma – Ripe plum, red fruits with a hint of spice.
Taste – Ripe cassis and mulberry flavours mingling with spicy vanilla notes.Smooth, close-knit tannins.
Serving suggestions
This rich red is in its element with braised lamb, oxtail, spicy sausages with mustard mash, slow-cooked lamb shanks, or a vegetarian shepherd’s pie.
