Cape Mentelle Explorers Blend 2017

Each parcel that made the final blend spent two years in new oak, before incorporation and bottling. The blend is 30% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Under cork. An inky dark maroon, this is a powerful wine, dense and focused, but it is supremely well balanced. The nose exhibits notes of chocolate, mulberries, plums, dried herbs, bay leaves, soy, beef stock and cassis. Notes of animal skins and bacon fat emerge during the journey. A beautifully structured wine, there is no reason that this will not sail through the next couple of decades in good cellars. The palate sees the emphasis shift to axle grease (again, in its most positive sense), licorice, soy and black fruits. Drink for fifteen to twenty five years. A cracker.