Grand Plaisir Estate Red Blend 2018, Simonsberg, South Africa

Description

Prepare for a red blend so suave, it practically wears a velvet jacket

About the wine

Sourced from the Plaisir Wine Estate in Simondium, the grapes for this blend come from vines aged 10 to 17 years, planted between 230m and 350m above sea level on the south-eastern slopes of the Simonsberg. The well-drained, weathered granite soils – predominantly Tukulu and Hutton – contribute to the wine’s structure and depth. Aged for 18 months in 300-litre French oak barrels, with an additional 6 months in third-fill oak after blending, only the finest barrels were selected to create this unique expression. Coarsely filtered before bottling, the wine is built to age gracefully for 10+ years.

Tasting notes

Aromas of red berries, mulberry, ripe plums, cedar, and a subtle touch of dried herbs lead into a plush, full-bodied palate. Flavours of ripe cherry, blueberry, plum skin and apricot unfold with a gentle hint of spice on the mid-palate. The finish is long and balanced, carried by poised, firm, and velvety tannins.

About the winemaker

Charles Marais, a Huguenot peasant from Le Plessis Marly in the Ile de France region wanted a better life for his family. They were plagued by drought, famine, crippling taxes and ensuing poverty. These factors coupled with religious persecution saw them setting sail for the Cape in 1687 where Charles and his family settled; that was the very beginning of Plaisir Wine Estate

The beautiful Plaisir Wine Estate is situated at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountain between Paarl and Franschhoek. The wines produced here are inspired by the harmony of a rich history, the fertile soil and lush vineyards.