Launch of Groot Constantia Vintage Vault

Groot Constantia, run as a non-profit company with a view to conserving the site for the South African people since 1993, has launched the Vintage Vault as a means of sharing older wines with the public at large. Wines across the range in quantities varying from 200 to 1 500 bottles have been kept back from the 2002 vintage and will be released on an occasional basis for sale.

The first wine to be made available from the vault is the Gouverneurs Reserve 2005 set to sell at R 1 750 a bottle. A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec, it was matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Served at last night’s inauguration function, the nose shows red and blackberries, dried herb plus hints of boot polish and undergrowth while the palate is medium-bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish long and dry. Elegant and still very much holding together.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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