Some wines are remembered for an outstanding vintage. Others are remembered for the story they continue to tell.
Since its inaugural release in 1989, Glen Carlou's Grand Classique has become a staple in many South African and international homes and restaurants. A classic Bordeaux blend crafted on the slopes of Simonsberg, it has quietly built a reputation for producing wines of remarkable balance, elegance and longevity, earning the trust of collectors and everyday enthusiasts alike.
From the very beginning, Grand Classique has embodied a philosophy that still guides every vintage today; balance above all else.
Today, Grand Classique remains the heart of the Glen Carlou portfolio. While the estate's Quartz Stone Chardonnay and Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon showcase the pinnacle of winemaking, Grand Classique serves as its ambassador, a wine that captures what blending and the estate have to offer in every bottle.
It is a blend designed not to chase trends, but to deliver consistency, refinement and exceptional drinkability, vintage after vintage.
Across the estate's vineyards, each parcel is nurtured individually before every component is vinified separately and matured for eighteen months in French oak.
Hundreds of barrels are then tasted repeatedly in an intricate blending process, where Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone, Merlot brings generosity, Cabernet Franc adds elegance, and Malbec and Petit Verdot complete the final composition.
It is a meticulous process where every decision is guided by one simple question; does this make the blend better?
This exclusive Grand Classique Vertical Collection invites you to experience that philosophy across three distinctive vintages.
The journey begins with 2018, a landmark release that marked the first Grand Classique fully crafted under Cellarmaster Johnnie Calitz following Glen Carlou's return to local ownership. Produced during an important period of vineyard renewal, it offers polished layers of red and dark fruit, tobacco, dark chocolate and a refreshing hint of peppermint wrapped in velvety tannins.
2021 reflects the confidence of a vineyard coming into its own once again, delivering a beautifully poised expression of the estate's Cabernet Sauvignon-led philosophy. Rich black fruit, cedar and subtle spice combine with fine tannins to create a wine of remarkable balance and finesse.
Completing the collection is the 2023 vintage. Benefiting from exceptional winter rainfall and an even, unhurried growing season, it is vibrant, energetic and beautifully concentrated. Cabernet Sauvignon continues to form the backbone of the blend, supported by Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, creating a wine with remarkable purity, depth and decades of potential ahead.
Together, these three vintages tell a story that no single bottle can. They reveal how climate, season and time shape a wine while its identity remains unmistakable.
Taste them side by side and discover the subtle evolution of fruit, structure and complexity. Enjoy one today, cellar another for years to come, or share the experience around the table with friends who appreciate the beauty of great Bordeaux-style blends.
Across these three vintages, Grand Classique has earned Gold medals at Mundus Vini, Double Gold at the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, Gold at the Veritas Awards, 93 points from Decanter, and multiple 4½-Star ratings in Platter's South African Wine Guide
For a limited time, this collector's vertical is available exclusively through Port2Port.
2018 Grand Classique
48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec.
Awarded Gold at Mundus Vini, Double Gold at the 2019 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, 4.5 Stars in Platter's South African Wine Guide 2022, and 93 points from Decanter in 2021.
2021 Grand Classique
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec.
Awarded Double Gold at the 2023 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards and 4.5 Stars in Platter's South African Wine Guide.
2023 Grand Classique
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 14% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
Awarded 4.5 Stars in Platter's South African Wine Guide 2026, Gold at Mundus Vini and Gold at the Veritas Awards.
