Lalela Heritage Red 2023

Lalela, meaning “listen” in Zulu, is the brand name of a wine range made by Natasha Williams of Hasher Family Wines in Upper Hemel-en-Aarde and Wade Sander of Brunia Wines in Sondagskloof. The thinking was that wines appearing under the Lalela label should not conflict with anything they were making already, and they work with vineyards planted in the Groenberg ward of Wellington, current releases consisting of Chillable Red 2023 (a Grenache-Cinsault blend selling for R185 a bottle), Cinsault 2023 (R215) and a Heritage Red 2023 (also R215).

It’s the Heritage Red 2023 that I liked most, this being a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cinsault and 4% Grenache. The nose shows red and black berries, fynbos, earth and spice while the palate has a solid core of fruit without being too imposing – medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish dry and persistent. Full of flavour, this should accompany a braaied lamp chop splendidly. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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