Montagne Cabernet Sauvignon 1971

In 1948, Bottelary property Hartenberg was bought by the late Dr Maurice Finlayson (a pathologist who originally hailed from Scotland) and his wife, Eleanor. They began marketing their wines under the label “Montagne” and it was here that son Walter began his winemaking career before moving to Blaauwklippen where he would enjoy much success in the early 1980s, later starting Glen Carlou (younger brother Peter would go on to be co-founder of Bouchard-Finlayson).

At a recent lunch with Walter’s son, David  of David Finlayson Wines, a bottle of Montagne Cabernet Sauvignon 1971 (significant in that it’s the birth year of yours truly) proved quite suberb. The nose showed red cherry, cassis, rose, tea leaf as well as those hints of caramel and mushroom that come with age but very little signs of decay in general. On the palate, the fruit was very much intact – good depth, lovely freshness, the tannins pretty much resolved. Rich but not unctuous or sweet, wonderfully detailed and mellow as only 52 years of age can impart!

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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