LOURENS RIVER VALLEY 1998

The debut wine for industrialist-turned-vintner Giulio Bertrand under a label bearing the name of the river that runs though the property which he acquired in 1992. After spending two years restoring it to its former glory he set his sights on producing a top-drawer St Emilion-style blend - "my favourite wine".

The wine was launched with pride, sheer passion and determination by combining the international expertise of Chateau Cheval Blanc General Manager Pierre Lurton and his own entrepreneurial drive, following in wine making traditions established on this farm some three hundred years ago. With newly established vineyards and the cellar not yet built, this wine was made off the property, but exclusively from grape grown on the Morgenster Estate.

VINEYARD REGION	Stellenbosch Helderberg ward
VINTAGE CONDITIONS	1998 proved to be an excellent vintage; deep, lusty reds with sufficient fruit and great tannins for prolonged cellaring.
GRAPE VARIETIES	Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
MATURATION	13 months in French oak
WINE ANALYSIS	Alc / Vol: 12.5% Acidity: 5.9g/l pH: 3.7 Residual sugar: <2.5g/l Extract: 29.2g/l
FOOD MATCHES	Most dishes incorporating Game bird, ostrich, small antelope, Karoo lamb
Winemaker comments by Marius Lategan
COLOUR	Intense plummy colour with a lively purple edge.
NOSE	Blackberries, raspberries and chocolate on the nose with whiffs of vanilla from the French oak
PALATE	Lush berry fruit on the palate, reined in by firm tannins; good balance with long, smooth finish
Awards
Platter Guide:	4 stars

back