Delaire Graff2021 Botmaskop, Delaire Graff
Western Cape, South AfricaVintage: 2021
Delaire Graff is one of the leading wine estates in South Africa and is situated on the top of the Helshoogte Pass in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation. It looks down on the Banghoek Valley, and the West and East facing sides of the majestic Simonsberg.
This 2021 Botmaskop (see below) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc with a splash of Petit Verdot and Merlot. It is an opulent and polished blend with classic aromas of cassis and spice leading to a structured palate with liquorice and blackberry flavours and enveloped by fine, lingering tannins.
Botmaskop 2021 has a recommended ageing potential of between 10 and 15 years. Over time, the wine develops in character, with beautiful tannins and rich aromas of autumn leaves and cedarwood.
The namesake of this wine is the historic mountain peak upon which Delaire Graff Estate is situated. Originally named Bootmanskop, meaning ‘Boat Man’s Peak’, the picturesque Botmaskop mountain, with its expansive views over the Cape Peninsula and the Atlantic Ocean, served as the lookout point for the Huguenots who had settled in nearby Franschhoek. From this vantage point, sailing ships entering Table Bay harbour 50 kilometres to the west were easily seen.
Notable Awards
Gold, DWWA, 2024
95 Pts, Decanter, 2024
Whats in the bottle
Cabernet Sauvignon 54%, Cabernet Franc 27%, Petit Verdot 11%, Merlot 8%
£3600 Original price was: £3600.£2995Current price is: £2995.
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Description
Delaire Graff Wine Estate is noted for its high-altitude vineyards and unique terroir due to a lofty location on the crest of the panoramic Helshoogte Mountain Pass overlooking the vineyards of Stellenbosch. Originally a farm named Avontuur the estate was bought in 1982 by the celebrated wine writer and winemaker John Platter, who renamed it Delaire Estate, meaning ‘From the Sky’.
In 2003 ownership passed onto Laurence Graff of Graff Diamonds International Ltd, who then initiated a six-year redevelopment programme to transform the estate into the premium world-class winery, restaurant, hotel and spa that it is today. During the refurbishments, one of the most advanced cellars in the Southern Hemisphere was installed; this became operational in 2008 with the release of the first wines under the Delaire Graff label. In just three years, the Estate has been propelled straight into the top tier of South Africa’s finest boutique wineries.
Delaire Graff is a relatively small estate with only 22 hectares under vine, the focus of production has been on the varietals suited to the local terroir, namely Chardonnay and red Bordeaux varietals. The desire to add other classic Cape varietals to the portfolio sent the winemaking team in search of the finest and best-matched plots to the new varietals. The Shiraz vines are located closer to the ocean to benefit from the cooler climate, the Sauvignon is a blend of grapes sourced from four premium wine regions, and the Chenin is sourced from 35-year-old bush vines in Swartland. These long-term lease vineyards are managed year-round by the Delaire Graff viticulturist team.
Extensive sorting of the grapes ensured high-quality fruit for vinification. The grapes were destemmed with 30% being crushed to give body and structure for added longevity. 70% whole-berry fermentation took place in cooler temperatures of 24°C – 26°C and gentle punch downs ensured subtle extraction of red fruit characters. The Cabernet Sauvignon component underwent a four-week post-ferment maturation on the skins. After basket pressing, the wine matured in 40% new French oak barrels for 16 months, where partial malolactic conversion took place.
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