Morgenster Lourens River Valley 2015

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded by Italian Giulio Bertrand at the foot of the majestic Helderberg mountain in South Africa, the Morgenster estate produces a range of premium wines offering excellent value, from Bordeaux blends to Italian varietals and even olive oil. Morgenster Lourens River Valley is a blend of nearly equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with additions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, made in collaboration with Pierre Lurton of Château Cheval Blanc. The grapes are selected from various vineyards aged between 10 and 22 years, characterized by diverse soils, including deeply weathered granite and rocky sandstone. After fermentation, the wine ages for approximately a year and a half in 25% new French oak barrels. The result is an approachable, fruit-forward wine ready to drink immediately, yet capable of aging for a few years. On the nose, the wine expresses a ripe and intense aromatic profile with notes of cherry and cassis, blueberries and blackberries, strawberry tart, and vanilla. On the palate, it is soft and rounded, concentrated and fresh, with lively acidity and a silky texture. It has smooth tannins and a long, fruity finish. It is excellent with lamb chops, porcini mushroom risotto, cheese and cured meat platters.