Villiera The Clan 2015

Family values.

The Clan 2015 is the new top-of-the-range offering from Villiera, the name paying tribute to the Scottish roots of the Grier family who own the property. It replaces the Bordeaux-style red blend which used to be bottled under the Monro label and is an unconventional blend of of 87% Cabernet Franc and 13% Carignan. “The mere fact of Bordeaux in the name of a local category goes towards a lack for originality and inventiveness,” says cellarmaster Jeff Grier.

The nose shows red and black berries, fresh herbs, tobacco, earth and spice. The palate is forceful and massively intense but balanced – dense fruit, firm tannins, the finish long and savoury. Alcohol is 15.29% – the Cab Franc picked ultra-ripe and the Carignan cleverly used to add freshness. Maturation lasted 18 months in French oak, 60% new. Total production: 1 000 bottles and approximate retail price: R850 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

Find our South African wine ratings database here.