Optima

Fillet with Mustard and brandy sauce.

The 2020 vintage yield was significantly higher than the preceding 2019 vintage, which had experienced three years of severe drought. Changing weather conditions during the flowering and fruit set period in October resulted in some uneven ripening, but moderate weather during the growing season produced strong growth and denser canopies. The slightly cooler conditions leading up to harvest produced excellent fruit with balanced acidity and concentrated flavours.

Each component was matured separately in 225L French oak barrels for 20 months, with 30% of the barrels being new oak.

Grapes are hand-picked, placed in small lug boxes, and then transported to the cellar in a refrigerated truck. The whole berries are double-sorted in the cellar using an optical sorting machine to ensure that only the best quality grapes are used. The must was fermented dry on the skins and then macerated for an extended period of time after fermentation. This results in a deep colour and a good tannin structure. Fermentation took place in a combination of French oak and stainless steel tanks followed by malolactic fermentation barrel.

Anthonij Rupert Wyne is a Franschhoek-based producer with a portfolio that spans some of South Africa's most recognised wine brands, including L'Ormarins and Cape of Good Hope. The range showcases a variety of regions, styles and vineyard sites, from everyday favourites to collector-worthy releases.