Cape Vintage

Lighter fruit desserts, mature hard cheese or dark chocolate.

Mild and dry conditions early in the season had a crucial impact on grape quantity and quality. Drier conditions limited berry mass and subsequent yields but also contributed to Handpicked from a 50-year-old vineyard in the Swartland. The 2023 season brought mild, dry early conditions and a cool ripening period, with lower berry mass and yields contributing to concentrated fruit.

Matured for 12 months in 400L seasoned French oak barrels, followed by a further 24 months of bottle ageing before release.

Fruit was cooled to 5°C, gently crushed and cold-soaked for five days. During fermentation the cap was punched down six times daily. At the desired sugar level, the wine was fortified with a blend of wine spirit and unaged brandy spirit.

Delaire Graff is a Stellenbosch wine estate on the Helshoogte Pass, where mountain slopes and cooling maritime influence shape the vineyards. Known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, red blends, rosé and MCC, the estate produces polished South African wines with fruit intensity, freshness and structure.