Cathedral Cellar - Triptych Western Cape 2016

Cathedral Cellar - Triptych Western Cape 2016 (88 TSW)

Today a nice blend to kick of September. A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Shiraz, 12% Tempranillo, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Petite Sirah, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot and 1% Malbec from South Africa.

Vineyards of this blend are situated in Western Cape, Wellington, Stellenbosch and Paarl.

About the wine:

After two days of cold maceration, which enhances colour and fruit flavours, the juice was inoculated with a combination of specially selected yeast strains. Alcoholic fermentation lasted approximately seven days. During this time, each tank was subjected to a careful and meticulous pump-over schedule.

Only after numerous tastings by the winemaking team to ensure the achievement of perfect balance and structure, was the wine pressed off the skins. The wine was racked to barrel where it underwent malolactic fermentation. It was then racked from the lees and returned to barrel for further maturation. After 18 months in barrel (A 35% portion was aged in new wood, and the rest in second and third-fill barrels), only the best wine was selected to make up this vintage Cathedral Cellar Triptych.

My tasting notes:

In the glass a dark garnet red color. Light transparent.
On the medium+ nose aromas of blackberries, plums and blueberries with hints of cigar box, balsamico, light vanilla, mint and cedar.
On the palate dry, medium++ bodied with medium+ fine grained tannins + medium acidity. Flavours are a recall of the nose with easy round mouthfeel. Yet still a smooth finish with a slight hint of smoke and black pepper.

To enjoy with meat casseroles, game dishes and any other flavoursome red meat dishes.