Painted Wolf Mourvèdre 2019

Single-variety Mourvèdre is nothing if not esoteric but there are a few brave souls that make it, Sebastian Beaumont of Beaumont in Bot River and Jeremy Borg of Painted Wolf being perhaps the two most prominent local proponents.

The 2017 vintage of Painted Wolf caught the attention when the 2017 vintage won best niche red at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show two years ago and the 2019 is again marvellous. From Swartland grapes, winemaking involved 30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting eight months in French oak, 30% new. It’s wonderfully fragrant on the nose with notes of dark berries, fynbos, earth and spice while the palate has striking fruit purity, zesty acidity and fine tannins. Plenty of detail and energy. Price: R250 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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