Glenelly Lady May 2018

This year marks 20 years since May de Lencquesaing, of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande fame, purchased Stellenbosch property Glenelly. Maiden vintage of the pinnacle wine called Lady May was in 2008 and it has quickly become one of the best examples of a Cape Bordeaux Red Blend to be had, the 2015 rating 96 points, the 2016 95 and the 2017 97 on this website.

The recently released 2018 (price: R795 a bottle) is more than just a commendable effort in what was a super-dry vintage. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet franc, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot, the wine matured for a total of 24 months in French oak barrels, the first 12 months as individual components in 30% first-fill barrels and then, after blending, taken back to 70% first-fill barrels for an additional 12 months.

The nose shows black cherry, cassis violets, chocolate and pencil shavings while there is very little herbal character to speak of. The palate is super-concentrated and smooth textured although not entirely without verve. A sleek and powerful wine, alcohol is 14.8%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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