Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, International Malbec Day is a perfect opportunity to raise a glass of this dark, inky coloured, full bodied wine - bursting with intense flavours of black cherry, plum and raspberries.
Originally from France, where it was primarily used as a blending grape in Bordeaux blends it was introduced, in the mid-19th century, to Argentina. Here it thrived in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza and has since become the signature grape of Argentina.
Raise a glass of Malbec with us this weekend and save 15% on selected Malbec wines. Promotion ends on Monday 21st April at midnight!
5 products
2020 Hermanuspietersfontein Kleinboet (Bordeaux Blend)
Regular price £21.49‘Kleinboet’ translates to ‘Little Brother’ from Afrikaans. This alludes to the fact that this Bordeaux Blend is incredibly elegant, with only 12.5% alcohol, compared to other South African Bordeaux Blends.
Although quite the lad, he’s not too big for his boots
Larger than life, there’s nothing small about him! The agile charmer, living life to the full. Simple, down to earth. With energy and a second breath, he’s not the kind to be second guessed…
Tasting Notes
Nose
Bright red and purple fruit such as raspberries and blueberries; savoury notes; dried herbs (oregano and rosemary).
Palate
Generous offering form entrance to finish; supple and full without over-saturating the palate with tannin; persistent with good length.
Vinification
A Bordeaux blend that is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and comprises of all five ‘noble’ varietals (Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet franc and Malbec). The use of 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill oak over 24 months ensures a beautiful “marriage” between the different varietals. The wine showcases bright red and purple fruit such as raspberries and blueberries; savoury notes; dried herbs (oregano and rosemary). On the palate this wine presents a generous offering from entrance to finish.
History
You’ve probably heard of the quaint beach town of Hermanus, situated on South Africa’s famous Whale Coast. Between 1855 and 1902, it was called Hermanuspietersfontein. In 1902, the local postmaster decided to shorten the name of the town to make addressing letters to the locals easier.
150 years later, the wine farm Hermanuspietersfontein, or HPF for short, craft outstanding wines with a serious sense of place. Their grapes come from Sondagskloof, which competes with Elgin and the Ceres Plateau for South Africa’s coolest wine growing region.
Specifications
| Year | 2020 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar |
48% Cabernet Sauvignon 18% Merlot 11% Petit Verdot 11% Cabernet franc 11% Malbec. |
| Country | South Africa |
|
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
| Type | Red Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | 5 years and beyond, provided stored under optimum conditions |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Maturation in Oak |
24 months in French Oak 80% in old (4-10 years of age) French oak Foudres (6000L) 10% in new French oak barriques (225L) 10% in second/third fill French oak barrique (225L) |
| Food Matches |
Roast or grilled lamb chops (or other richly flavoured cuts of red meat). Barbequed or ‘braai-ed’ aubergine topped with rich sun-dried and oregano tomato sauce is a great option for non-meat eaters. |
| Origin | Sondagskloof, Walker Bay near Hermanus |
| Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Doña Paula Altitude Series 1100
Regular price £23.59
Its name derives from the average height of the selected parcels for this Blend.
Tasting Notes
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are blended to create this complex and balanced wine of a deep violet color. In the nose, it has floral aromas – such as violet and rosehip – typical of the Malbec variety. The Syrah contributes spicy notes, good volume in the mouth and silky tannins, whereas the Cabernet Sauvignon complements the blend with a great structure.
Vineyards
Doña Paula 1100 comes from 3 blocks in our Los Indios Vineyard, which is located in El Cepillo, San Carlos, Uco Valley, at 1,100 meters (3,610 feet) above sea level. The sandy loam soil here has great drainage; in some sectors, there are gravel and stone deposits of colluvial origin, always bound by a thick, 70 cm (27.5 in) deep layer of black caliche. Days are warm and nights cold; the average temperature variation is 16 °C (60.8°F), and the average annual rainfall reaches 300 mm (11.8 in). The vines yield 7 to 9 tons per hectare. At Doña Paula, our vineyards have always been managed using sustainable agricultural practices.
Vinification
The harvest starts with Syrah in the first week of April, it continues with Malbec by mid-April, and it finishes with Cabernet Sauvignon at the end of the same month. The grapes are hand-picked and then they are destemmed gently, without breaking the berries. Each variety undergoes cold maceration separately, in stainless steel tanks, to extract the primary aromas. Once the alcoholic fermentation is complete, the blend is made, and the aging process is carried out in 20% new French oak barrels, for 16 months.
Awards
- 92 points in the Tim Atkin Argentina Report
- 92 points James Suckling
Specifications
| Year | 2019 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar |
60% Malbec, 30% Syrah & 10% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Country | Argentina |
|
Alcohol content
|
15% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11.3 units |
| Type | Red Wine |
| Suggested Serving Temp | Between 15°C and 18°C. |
| Food Matches | Beef tenderloin, blue cheese and spinach wrapped in pastry, and served with sweet potato purée and roasted pepper coulis. You cannot think of peppers without thinking of Cabernet Sauvignon. |
| Dietary Information | Gluten-free and Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Appellation |
Los Indios, El Cepillo, San Carlos, Uco Valley
|
2019 Paul Wallace Crackerjack Bordeaux Blend
Regular price £26.99This wine came about as an indulgence to the lady of the house, who is particularly partial to fine Bordeaux-styled blend. Together Paul and Nicky Wallace have put together a "cracker" of a wine, blending and showcasing the versatility of Elgin.
Tasting Notes
The alluring bright colour immediately invites one to explore this wine further. Merlot driven (think Bordeaux Right Bank) and power packed with fresh fruits encompassing both the red and black fruit spectrums, with a savoury core.
Notes of fresh cherry, cranberry, plum and blackcurrant on the palate, with chocolate and vanilla on the finish. Rich and opulent, yet bright and feminine, this little “cracker” is the perfect example of how the whole sum is better than the parts and of how the individual components support and enhance one another.
Winery
Paul Wallace Wines is a small family-run business with the farm located in Elgin, previously best known for its apples and pears, which is one of the most exciting developing wine regions within the South African wine industry and indeed internationally.
Vinification
The grapes all originate for the Elgin region, a high-lying basin surrounded by mountain ranges. Naturally the Malbec hails from Paul and Nicky’s farm, Wallovale Vineyards, whilst the other three grape varieties were bought in from Elgin grape producers with whom Paul has a direct involvement. A Cabernet Franc vineyard has been planted on Paul and Nicky’s farm but the first commercial harvest is only expected in 2020.
Each parcel of grapes was harvested at its own optimum ripeness and vinified separately at Eikendal Winery, Somerset West. Each wine was inoculated with Zymalore Xpure, a yeast recommended for wines with high aromatic purity, enhanced expression of black fruit notes and a great smoothness of mouthfeel. Post fermentation the wine was left for 14 days on the skins. Thereafter each wine was transferred to barrel where they completed Malolactic fermentation. The wines spent a minimum of 24 months in 225 lit French oak barriques prior to blending. The wine received a light filtration before bottling on 8th July 2021.
Specifications
| Year | 2019 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 40% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Malbec. |
| Country | South Africa |
|
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
| Type | Red White |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Food Matches |
We recommend the Crackerjack as the perfect accompaniment to your Sunday roast lamb, lasagna and tomato-based stews. Enjoy! |
| Origin | Elgin |
| Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 De Toren Fusion V Magnum Gift Box
Regular price £104.99 Sale price £83.99 Save 20%The iconic Left Bank-based blend, De Toren Fusion V is meticulously crafted from Bordeaux’s ‘Noble Five’ varietals and, with its complex flavours of dark sour cherry, a spiciness of tobacco, and a hint of aniseed, it offers a stylish departure for sophisticated oenophilic tastes. This is a stunning expression of a superb vintage as well as terroir. Soft as spun silk, this is a wine that will only improve with age.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, a bouquet of ripe sweet red cherries, blueberries, sweet spice, and subtle nuances of oak prevail, accentuating the fruit. Seamlessly integrated and immensely elegant.
Palate
The taste profile of Fusion V 2019 is vibrant and moderately full-bodied. Fine-grained, yet polished tannins are present in this wine. The red cherry bouquet is unmistakable, leaving the 2019 vintage creamy, layered, and delightfully well-balanced for its age.
Producer
De Toren proprietors Emil and Sonette den Dulk left Johannesburg in 1991 to establish their vineyards in the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch. Situated on southern-facing slopes overlooking False Bay De Toren enjoys the cooling effect of constant ocean breezes. Taking a holistic approach to keeping vineyard soils healthy and balanced viticulturalist Ernest Manuel employs sustainable farming practices throughout the property. Infrared Aerial Imaging is used extensively in order to monitor ripeness in various vineyard blocks and determine optimal picking times although actual harvesting and production are done almost entirely by hand. The winery is operated on gravity flow principles; a 4000 liter pressure tank in an elevator shaft (the Tower from which the winery takes its name) is cleverly used to exploit gravity in transporting wine between tanks and barrels without the use of mechanical pumps. As a result of De Toren’s innovative minimal intervention production methods their wines were among the first South African bottlings to qualify for IP (Integrated Production) certification by the Wine and Spirit Board.
The Den Dulks and winemaker Albie Koch seem to have found the key to success with their simple winemaking philosophy: gentle handling no pumps and minimum manipulation. Armed with this winning formula the boutique farm has quickly risen to the ranks of South Africa’s winemaking elite with their duo of dazzling stylish and complex five-varietal Bordeaux blends: the flagship Fusion V (which debuted in the 1999 vintage and has been hailed by Wine Spectator as a consistently polished outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend) and the Merlot-based Z introduced with the 2004 vintage.
Barrel Maturation
Aged in a climatized barrel/ maturation room (16 degrees Celsius at 80% humidity) for 12 months in approximately 50% new and 50% second fill, 225 Litre Oak barrels. French Oak is predominantly used during maturation, with a portion of the Malbec receiving the benefit of American Oak.
Accolades
- Tim Atken - UK (95 Points)
Specifications
| Year | 2019 |
| Bottle Size | 1.5cl Magnum |
| Cultivar | Cabernet Sauvignon 56.9%, Malbec 14.4%, Cabernet Franc 9.6%, Merlot 14.4%, Petit Verdot 4.7% |
| Country | South Africa |
|
Alcohol content
|
14.48% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 21.7 units |
| Type | Red Wine |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Cellaring Potential | If stored in optimal conditions, this wine should last up to 20 years plus. |
| Food Matches |
With nuanced and complexed flavours, our renowned De Toren Fusion V wine pairs exceptionally well with perfectly tender grilled or roast lamb, with garlic, rosemary and a hint of honey lemon. For optimum enjoyment, decant at least one hour before consumption. It is recommended to serve this wine at optimal temperature (15 – 18 degrees Celcius). |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
| Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2021 Dornier Cocoa Hill Ruby Red
Regular price £14.99
In a time of seafaring and spice, pirates played in Table Bay…
Among them was Long Ben – as fierce as he was tall,
he looted and pillaged and scavenged from all.
Ben fast became known for being up to no good,
and so fled from the seas and gave up his loot.
He planted some vines, as was the way,
and peered out towards the ocean almost every day.
Long Ben would have gazed longingly at the vista of Table Bay
from where our vines grow today, on Cocoa Hill.”
Among them was Long Ben – as fierce as he was tall,
he looted and pillaged and scavenged from all.
Ben fast became known for being up to no good,
and so fled from the seas and gave up his loot.
He planted some vines, as was the way,
and peered out towards the ocean almost every day.
Long Ben would have gazed longingly at the vista of Table Bay
from where our vines grow today, on Cocoa Hill.”
Tasting Notes
Aromas of raspberry, cherry and a hint of eucalyptus. The palate is full, fresh and lively with a subtle and well-balanced tannin structure.
History
Dornier is a family owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive of the unique terroir of The Golden Triangle whilst showcasing the complexity and finesse of the noble grape varieties planted at Dornier. Reverence for tradition is salient at Dornier as is difference where it leads to improvement.
Dornier Wine Estate is located on 3 different farms in the Upper Blaauwklippen Valley namely Groenkloof, Heldemeer and Stellenrust (Homestead) the latter of which includes a historic Sir Herbert Baker designed homestead and one of the first wine cellars ever built in Stellenbosch in the late 1600s.
Dornier proudly boasts an A rating with IPW (Integrity and Sustainability) given its ongoing efforts incorporated and devotion towards sustainable farming practises with integrity.
Dornier also holds an A Rating with WIETA - a pro-active world-class and sustainable ethical trade programme for the South African wine industry and aligned sectors. given its efforts incorporated and devotion towards facilitating fair working conditions and sustainable ethical trade within the wine industry and its aligned sectors.
Fermentation & Aging
All components of this blend were fermented separately in vineyard specific batches with pump-overs for colour and tannin extraction being performed five times daily. The wine was barrel matured for 12 months in French oak barrels and a small un-oaked component was used to provide a fresh and lively character.
Vintage Conditions
The vines are planted on our Groenkloof farm on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain. The soil is composed of coffee coloured decomposed granite. The vines get full sun which allows for optimum development of rich berry characters in the grapes.
Accolades
- 4.5 John Platter Stars
- TOP 100 SA Wines
- Veritas Silver Outstanding
Specifications
| Year | 2021 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar |
Merlot (34%), Shiraz (30%), Cabernet Sauvignon (19%), Malbec (14%) and Petit Verdot (3%) |
| Country | South Africa |
|
Alcohol content
|
15% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11.3 units |
| Type | Red Wine |
| Cellaring Potential |
Up to 5 years |
| Food Matching | Braised oxtail, Boeuf bourguignon, charcuterie platter and smoked kudu Carpaccio. |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
| Appellation | WO Western Cape |
