Sir David Graaff

Hearty meals with complex, concentrated layers of fruit and sweet, rounded tannins such as rich stews. A great partner to Beef Wellington or venison pie.

The 2016 vintage was the smallest in five years after a hot, dry growing season which impacted yields. However, the quality of grape flavour concentration was not affected. The Cape Town area was less affected than inland areas due to cooler temperatures as a result of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Potential has been identified in magnificent Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon vines from the Somerset West region which are all 30 years old or older. At this age, the vines have an advanced root system which provides the fruit with more nutrients from deeper soil layers and contributes to vintage stability, producing wines of more consistently exceptional quality.

At a total of 22 months of maturation, this wine is the ultimate expression of longevity and potential.

Hand-selected, individually vinified and matured for 16 months in 100% new, tight grain French oak barrels before blending. The wine consists of 58% Shiraz, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. After blending, it was returned to the same new barrels and nurtured for a further 6 months.

De Grendel is a Durbanville wine estate where cool-climate vineyards and careful site selection shape a broad range of South African wines. Known for Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and red blends, the estate combines coastal influence, varietal clarity and a strong sense of Cape Town wine country.