Le Vin de François 2016

The hardware.

Chateau Naudé Wine Creation, sees François Naudé, previously of L’Avenir, in business with son François jnr and daughter Melissa, to create a top-end Pinotage called Le Vin de François from batches sourced from various leading producers and then sold at once-off auction – some 200 12-bottle of the current-release 2016 fetching an average price of R8 150 per case or approximately R680 a bottle earlier this year.

Incorporating wine from Beyerskloof, Kanonkop, Lanzerac, L’Avenir, Rhebokskloof, Rijk’s and Simonsig, it shows notes of cherry, banana bread, vanilla and spice on the nose. The palate is rich but balanced – dense fruit and soft, very fine tannins (alcohol: 14.58%). There’s a slight sweetness on entry but the finish is gently savoury, the overall sense that you are left with being that this is a meticulously crafted, quite luxurious offering .

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

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