Grangehurst Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2009
Grangehurst Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2009
Manufacturer: Grangehurst
Two popular varieties in one cuvée. Cabernet Sauvignon brings expressive aromas of blackcurrant and tobacco, Merlot counteracts with notes of forest fruits and dusty forest paths. On the palate, the wine is delicate and beautifully balanced, beautifully ripe and sophisticated thanks to the older vintage. Notes of mocha, dark chocolate, plum and spice come through. The tannins are beautifully velvety thanks to the ripeness of the wine, backed by great fresh acidity. Incredibly long finish.
2009 / 0.75l / 14.5% / Stellenbosch - South Africa
About the winery
Big man's little winery. Jeremy Walker named the winery Grangehurst to pay tribute to his parents by combining the names of their homes in England in one word. In 1952 his parents moved to South Africa and so began the journey of this great winery, which Jeremy founded in 1992. The first vintage produced at Grangehurst was awarded Champion Wine at the South African Young Wine Show which was the start of a dream come true for their small wine cellar. In 1996 Jeremy was invited to join the Cape Winemaker's Guild, an association of innovative winemakers who have made a significant contribution to the development of South African winemaking. His motto is to 'take things, and wine, in your stride'. He is thus a unique winemaker who only releases his wines when he considers them ready. Thus, his current vintages, are always at least 10 years old from harvest and yet still have a lot to go.
Terroir
Stellenbosch lies just 40 km east of Cape Town. The Simonsberg Mountains to the north separate it from Paarl, while the Hottentot Holland Mountains to the east separate it from Walker Bay. False Bay lies about 12 miles (20 km) to the south.
Granite and sandstone soils are found throughout Stellenbosch. Due to their high clay content, they have excellent water retention properties, although they are free draining. Sufficient winter rainfall allows growers to keep irrigation to a minimum. Much has been made of the suitability of the soils in Stellenbosch for growing particularly premium red wine grapes.
The climate in the area is relatively hot and dry, although the influence of the False Bay sea is evident in the south. In the afternoons, the vineyards are buffeted by a cool south-easterly wind, which refreshes the grapes after the hot morning sun. White wine varieties are often planted closer to the ocean where this effect is more pronounced.
Recommended wine pairings
Grangehurst Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2009