It was a special time of day with the sun shining on the white Cape Dutch walls and the contrast inside of the modern interiors which fit with such ease into the tradition buildings.
Groenvlei Farm on the Annandale Road, at the heart of the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation is on the first folds of the Helderberg one of the region's finer positions for red wines. The added plus of the breezes off False Bay cooling the vineyards in the afternoons, creates longer hanging time and better aromas, flavours and colour.
The Signature Peter Falke Exclusive Blend 2014 is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot. It is the Flagship of the Winery.
The progress to excellence starts in the vineyard where harvesters select the bunches that will be used for this wine. Any raisined grapes are discarded. Once in the cellar, the grapes are destemmed and the berries hand sorted to ensure only the best go through. Once the fermentation process started the cap was punched down and the wine pumped over at regular intervals. Cold soaking took place for 21 days.
After gentle pressing the 20% of the wine was matured in a mix of first, second and third fill French oak barrels. The wine was then prepared for bottling in November of that year.
It looks like
Attractive silver livery in a Bordeaux shaped bottle under a natural cork closure. In the glass, a deep opaque ruby plum at the core, which pales out to garnet at the rim.
It smells like
The expected red Bordeaux whiffs of dark fruits, crème de cassis and oak with its concomitant spices.
It tastes like
The richness of red and black fruit, berries, cherries and plums. Supported by the oak with well interwoven tannins and acidity. Full mid palate and long ending.
It’s good with
As a glass on its own, standing by the braai fire, or sitting watching the embers die down, it will inspire interesting conversation. It is of course a food wine and loves fully flavoured dishes. It can tackle anything, even a good organic butter roasted chicken. A good cheese or charcuterie will also be a good match. Ina Paarman’s Penne with bacon & mushrooms is the perfect midweek supper dish, love the texture of penne and not able to resist bacon! Click here for her recipe.
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