FRANSCHHOEK CELLAR The Last Elephant 2020

An exclusive red blend made from the best batches the winery can produce every year. An iron fist in a velvet glove, this small-production wine is boldly expressive and well-rounded. The nose brims with moreish dark fruit, showing blackcurrants, cherries, mulberries along with cedar wood, lead pencil and cigar box aromas. These develop in the glass and are joined by raspberry, spice and a hint of gaminess on the palate. The flavours are powerful but elegant, with fine tannins that continue to soften in the glass.

Welcome to Franschhoek Cellar

Characterful ultra-premium vineyard sites throughout the Coastal region of South Africa are selected for the making of the Last Elephant. They are relatively sheltered from the prevailing breezes coming off False Bay and therefore enjoy a slightly warmer but still mostly maritime climate. The vineyards are planted on deep, well-drained soils with a good clay component and excellent structure. Vineyard management is tailored to ensure premium quality, concentrated fruit, which includes green harvesting and shoot thinning.

The grapes were hand-picked and fermented in closed tanks at temperatures of 25-28° C. The young wine received a post-fermentation maceration of 35 days, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel.

On completion of the malolactic fermentation, the wine was racked into 35% new French oak. The wine was then matured in oak for 14 months, followed by 24 months in the bottle to gain softness and complexity before release.