Delheim Grand Reserve 2021

When it comes to Bordeaux-style red blends in the Cape, longevity is often equated with significance, Paarl property Welgemeend producing the first in 1979, Rubicon from Meerlust in 1980, Paul Sauer from Kanonkop a year after.

Grand Reserve from Delheim came into being the same year as Paul Sauer, that is 1981, but somehow is not held in the same reverence – perhaps part of the problem is that the portfolio is very wide, the property making pretty good examples of everything from Gewurztraminer to Noble Late Harvest and everything in between.

The 2021 vintage of Grand Reserve is priced at a not-insignificant R555 a bottle, indicating the producer means business. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, it was matured for 18 months in 300-litre barrel, 30% new.

The nose shows lots of cassis and blueberry plus violets, toasty oak and earth while the palate is undoubtedly opulent – rich and smooth textured, the acidity nevertheless noticeable. It makes a bold statement, but a bit more restraint might have served it better. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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