Delaire Graff - Laurence Graff Reserve, Stellenbosch - 2015 (750ml)

Wine Composition

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Awards

Tim Atkin | 97 points

Decanter World Wine Awards | 95 points 

Winemakers Comments

The nose is characterised by freshness and spice, vanilla pod, dark chocolate and hay aromas. Silky and smooth on entry, the wine has a flinty minerality with subtle tannins and huge length and persistence. The flavour profile is dominated by tangy, ripe, almost over-ripe red berries together with brambles and cassis – classic flavours expected in a top quality claret.

Technical Analysis

Alcohol Percentage

14.5%

TA

5.7 g/l

pH

3.43

RS

2.5 g/l

Vineyards / Vintage

The 2014 vintage was an exceptional year due to perfect conditions throughout the season. Warm rain-free weather just before harvest assisted with the full ripening of grapes.

Vinification

This wine was produced with meticulous care. Grapes were hand sorted. Whole berry fermentation and basket pressing ensured gentle extraction of fruit. A rigorous selection process identified on the best 5 from 35 barrels. The wine was matured in 80% new oak for 20 months.

Winemaker

Morne Vrey

Winery

Delaire Graff Estate is situated in Stellenbosch in the heart of South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine region. Founded by Simon van der Stel in 1679, Simon brought a sound knowledge of viticulture, the art of winemaking – fostering a tradition that has grown from strength to strength through the centuries. In 1982 John Platter, well-known wine writer, bought Delaire, then known as Avontuur. Looking at the magnificent view, he decided to rename the farm Delaire Estate, meaning "From the Sky”. Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International acquired the estate in 2003 and vowed to transform it into South Africa’s most desirable art, hospitality and wine destination. Today, with two outstanding restaurants, a state-of-the-art winery, exclusive Lodges, a destination Spa and two luxury boutiques, the transformation of this piece of paradise is complete.
Delaire Graff Estate’s unique terroir on the crest of the panoramic Helshoogte Mountain Pass is noted for its high-altitude vineyards, excellent soils, and cooling sea breezes. Delaire Graff Estate aims for red wines that are big in structure with soft tannins and elegance, and white wines which capture the freshness of the harvest. With one of the most advanced cellars in the Southern Hemisphere, which became operational in 2008, in just three years the Estate can be comfortably rated as one of the top ten wine producers in South Africa. From the outset wine quality has been superb and Delaire has achieved a stellar rise.