Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve Red 2019

The flagship of the Estate shows layers of flavour on the nose, like black current, ripe plums, tobacco, dark chocolate, and toasted oak. The ripe fruit and subtle use of oak follows on the palate and is framed by firm tannin structure.

Mediterranean climate with cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, with an average maximum temperature in summer of 26˚C, and an average night-time low in winter of 8˚C. The long-term rainfall is 1100 mm per year. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot vineyards are planted on north-facing red, granite-based clay soil. The Cabernet franc is grown on east-facing yellow-brown duplex soil from sandstone and granite origin and the Merlot is on a south-east facing, deep red, granite-based clay soil.

The grapes were handpicked at 24 - 25°Balling and fermented in stainless steel tanks with regular pump overs during fermentation. The wine was left on the skins for four weeks after fermentation to maximize extraction and malolactic fermentation was allowed in stainless steel.

The wine was matured for 15 months in 75% new, 15% 2nd fill and 10% 3rd fill 225 L French oak barrels before blending and bottling.

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