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Press Release March 2008 A Decade of Morgenster - An evolution of excellence The release of the Morgenster 2004 marks an important milestone in the history of this pre-eminent Cape Estate. Not only is it the product of ten years of meticulous care and attention in the vineyards, but it also marks the culmination of a focussed journey to produce a single, world-class and highly individual estate wine. "Fourteen years ago, when we planted the noble red varieties on the estate, I had a dream. That dream was to produce the best red blend possible from this excellent terroir, as well as South Africa's best Extra Virgin Olive Oil - and that these would be not only of unsurpassed quality but would also capture the essence of this beautiful farm," explains owner Giulio Bertrand. This philosophy of single-minded excellence required multiple and detailed practical steps but also a realisation that the goal would not be instantly achievable. So it was that Morgenster embarked on a decade-long journey to better understand the site and the grapes produced from it. During this time, the team applied the most modern viticultural science but have also given the various planted sites time to express their own individual personality. "To fully understand the vines, you have to live with them, and I have a few scars to prove that," is how viticulturalist Gerhard Bruwer puts it. Wine consultant Pierre Lurton of Château Cheval Blanc and Château d'Yquem comments: "My personal involvement with the Morgenster team stems right from the beginning, and I am extremely excited and proud about the evolution that has taken place over the last 10 years. This evolution is reflected the merlot driven Morgenster 2004 vintage which is exotic and powerful with a beautifully balanced tannin structure, and accurately reflects the warmer conditions present during the 2004 vintage. It is noticeable how the style of the Morgenster has remained consistent over the years, yet the composition has changed to reflect the specific vintage. This vintage specific wine style that Morgenster practices is very much old-world, and is replicated in the wines of Bordeaux." "With the 2004 vintage, we are confident that we have achieved our goal of a singular estate wine", says winemaker Marius Lategan. He describes this vintage as "the watershed", and elaborates: "Constant viticultural practices and experimental winemaking have honed our specific site selection. These highly selected sites have formed the individual components and offer balance, complexity, tannin structure, and elegance that express the very essence of Morgenster." Giulio concludes by saying "a component of vineyards that used to supply the Lourens River Valley have matured and are now ideal for first choice selection into the Morgenster blend, resulting in less volume for the Lourens River Valley. During this time we have also learnt more about which vineyard blocks have historically underperformed and will be uprooted." Winemaker's Notes: Morgenster 2004 is a Merlot-led blend with great depth, intensity and purity. A gorgeous perfume of sweet black cherries, blackberries and spice leads to a palate that is full-bodied and opulent, with more structure, tannin and delineation than even the highly-rated 2001 and 2003 vintages. The wine will still develop beautifully for four to seven years, and last for two decades or more. Awards: Morgenster 2004: JP Rossouw A mixed case:" Morgenster" 2003 is a red blend of the classic three - Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc and Merlot - and a wine not to be taken lightly, though it slips down with supple ease. If it's very French inspired, it's the influence of consultant Pierre Lurton of the magical Château Cheval Blanc." Lourens River Valley 2004 Lourens River Valley 2003 Selected by the Cape of Good Hope fund panel as one of 18 wines for a futures list. |
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