Cape Mentelle Wallcliffe Petit Verdot Cabernet Franc 2018

The fruit used here is from the Wallcliffe, Trinders and Crossroads vineyards, planted in 1970, 1988 and 2003 respectively. Fermentation was in closed stainless steel fermenters, followed by 44 days on skins. Maturation was in oak for 16 months. The blend is 66% Petit Verdot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot and just 1% Shiraz. A dark maroon hue. There are appealing aromatics with plums, chocolate, bay leaves, blackfruits, cassis and aniseed with just a hint of herbaceousness. Good focus and a seamless structure, through to firm tannins, there is also excellent length and much to enjoy over the next six to ten years.