Delaire Graff Botmaskop 2017

VINTAGE CHARACTERISTICS Despite the drought, the dry, warm weather resulted in healthy grapes and small berries with good intensity. Warm days and below average cool nights during the ripening stage gave the colour and flavour development a positive boost.

VINEYARDS & HARVEST From From a selection of permium Stellenbosch vineyards, the grapes were handpicked in the fresh hours of the early morning.

GRAPE VARIETALS 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot & 3% Malbec

VINIFICATION Extensive sorting of the grapes formed part of the quality management process. The grapes were de-stemmed only, not crushed, to ensure gentle extraction of fruit flavours. Whole berry fermentation and gentle punch downs ensured extra care in handling of grapes. After basket pressing, the wine matured in 50% new French oak barrels for 16 months, where malolactic fermentation took place.

TASTING NOTES Rich aromas of cassis and spice with intense liquorice and blackberry flavours on the palate and fine, lingering tannins. Optimal ageing potential of 5 – 8 years.

WINE OF ORIGIN Stellenbosch, South Africa

WINE ANALYSIS Residual Sugar: 2.2 g/1 Total Acidity: 6.0 g/1 pH: 3.41 Alcohol: 14.5%