Grand Vin de Glenelly 2009
By Christian Eedes, 24 February 2015
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Grand but not grandiose.
While I’ve been inclined to think that Glenelly winemaker Luke O’Cuinnegan overreaches himself a bit when it comes to his flagship red called Lady May, the more modest Grand Vin de Glenelly 2009 (approximate retail price: R140 a bottle) tasted recently was impressive.
A blend of 42% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, it’s classically styled which is to say elegant, restrained and savoury. It shows red and black berries plus subtle notes of spice and herbs. Optimally ripe fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Drinking well now but probably good for another three to five years.
Score: 90/100.
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Primotivo24 February 2015
Why anyone thinks its a good idea to blend Shiraz with the Bordeaux varieties is completely beyond me. Whats the point?
Christian Eedes24 February 2015
Hi Primotivo, In the 18th and early 19th century, Rhone Shiraz was often used by Bordeaux châteaux to augment their wines so the practice is not without historical precedent. It’s more unusual now which I guess does mark such wines as oddities in marketiing terms but I think there is good reason to do it – ripe Shiraz ameliorating the “green” character so often associated with Cab, Cab Franc and Merlot.