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Delaire is situated on a slope that runs down from a mountain peak on the farm, named Botmaskop. When the French Hugenots arrived in the Cape in 1688, they used this peak of the Helshoogte Pass as their lookout point for ships entering Cape Town Harbour. The Sentry would then signal the settlers in Franschhoek of the ships arrival after which they would be able to cart their produce to the harbour. This look out point became known as “Botmans Kop” which directly translates to Boatman’s Head.
Today, this 44 hectare vineyard of which 22 hectares are under vines with its rugged mountain slopes, experiences variances in altitude which range from approximately 300 to 500 m above sea level. This creates microclimates which are conducive to making multilayered, complex wines. They farm with nature as their partner and are blessed with deep dark rich soils with excellent water holding capacity.
Delaire aims for red wines that are big in structure, with soft tannins and elegance whilst their white wines must capture the freshness of the harvest. "With our terroir, the long cool winters, and a slow ripening season we are text book material for world class wines. However, in order to pick at optimum ripeness, here in the Banhoek Valley, a certain amount of courage is called for as we can have to wait for up to three weeks after our Stellenbosch neighbours have picked, for our grapes to ripen... the suspense is killing!!"
This stunning Cabernet is full-bodied with classic characters of ripe blackberry, wood spice, cedar wood and mulberries. It wine has big, concentrated tannins, which are supported by concentrated fruit structure, incredibly long and lingering finish. A third of the wine was made in an old world style with post fermentation on the skins, with the remainder made in a ripe fruit-driven new world style, blended to produce a wine which embodies the best South African wine making.
Limited quantities available.
Jean’s Thoughts
Unable to comment as he is currently traveling Europe and Canada.
Brendon’s Thoughts
This is a classically made big SA Cab – produced only in exceptional years. Drunk by exceptional people. Particularly good with game!
At Caveau:R 235.00 per bottle
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