G. 2016 - LE CAPITAINE

Enjoy with beef Wellington, T-bone steak or hard cheeses.

One of the most difficult vintages in a long time, similar to 2003 in Bordeaux. The Super-El-Niño triggered an extremely dry, shortened season with small berries and an early ripening. Professionalism and attentiveness was of utmost importance to yield exceptional quality. A blend of Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon; selected from eight different vineyards across the Western Cape. Extreme care and thorough selection. Grapes are hand-picked in small batches, carefully hand destemmed and meticulously sorted twice prior to gentle manual crushing.

18 months in partially new French oak barrels from six different cooperages.

Alcoholic fermentation in both French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, with strict temperature control and regular breaking of the cap for optimal extraction.

On the 2nd of February 1659 Jan van Riebeeck the first Commander of the Cape noted in his diary: “Fine warm weather… Today praise be to God wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.” On the 2nd of February 2009 three hundred and fifty vintages later four men share their passion for wine and a vision for the future: a world-class wine from South Africa combining the best terroirs of the Cape with Old World winemaking expertise. On the ground was Giorgio Dalla Cia whose knowledge of South African vineyards is legendary. Thrilled by the idea the late Denis Dubourdieu joined the group: master winemaker to numerous icon wines in Bordeaux Hermitage and elsewhere. Our first vintage G. 2010 was released to rave reviews. 2011 and 2012 continue to set a new standard – on par with and above the greatest wines of the world. 2013 and 2014 regularly break preconceptions in international blind tastings.