Delaire Graff Botmaskop 2022

Delaire Graff lies high on the slopes of Botmaskop Mountain in Stellenbosch, in South Africa's Coastal Region, an estate as known for its art and hospitality as its wine. Botmaskop is its flagship red, a Bordeaux style blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec. The altitude of the site brings cooler air and a wider day to night temperature range than the valley floor, slowing ripening and preserving acidity and aromatic freshness, while the granite derived mountain soils give the wine firm structure and depth. Each variety adds a layer: Cabernet Sauvignon the backbone and cassis, Merlot the flesh, Cabernet Franc a leafy lift, Petit Verdot colour and spice, Malbec dark fruit. The wine spends 16 months in French oak, where gentle oxygen exchange knits the blend together and adds cedar and spice. In the glass it is deep and concentrated, with a nose of dark plum, cassis and red currant over cedar, tobacco and dark chocolate. The palate is full and structured, with ripe firm tannin, a peppery edge and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead. It suits hearty red meat dishes.