Launch of Morgenster 2006 - Five stars now and decades of enjoyment to follow

For the second year running Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate has led out its flagship Morgenster Bordeaux blend crowned with the coveted 5 star John Platter award.

From a harvest point of view, 2006 was more difficult for the winemaker than for the viticulturist. While viticulturists had to farm with natural forces like high temperatures, water stressed vines and sometimes gale force winds, the winemakers had an even darker force brooding and waiting to strike at any moment Ð power failures!

Nonetheless the quality of the 2006 harvest was excellent, as evident in the wonderfully balanced Morgenster 2006.

The sixth vintage under this label reverts to three Bordeaux cultivars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, blended in almost equal proportions for the first time since the 2003 vintage. Last year's release, five star Morgenster 2005, was Merlot led with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Since the mid nineties, owner Giulio Bertrand has had the assistance of Pierre Lurton, president of Château Cheval Blanc and Château d'Yquem and also a director on the board of Morgenster, to consistently produce elegant wines that have the capacity to age well.

Giulio believes in showing his wines as they approach their prime, releasing only a portion at launch date. The balance is evaluated and released in batches that showcase its progression. This provides Morgenster with an unusual offering of several vintages of the same label. Morgenster 2006 joins vintages 2000 - 2005 (with the exception of 2002).

The coming of age of the Estate's 2001 and 2003 vintages is showing why local and especially international clients are starting to alter their perception of aged South African reds, with Morgenster clearly in the lead here.

Henry Kotzé, who started as winemaker at the estate last year, says that even with the extended post bottling time the 2006 is only beginning to display its potential. "It already presents a seductive harmony of fruit and tannin. Its best delights however will come in five to eight years and last for two decades or more ... if you can resist it now", he quips.

RSP ex cellar: R290 for Morgenster 2006, R128 for Lourens River Valley 2006