Millennium

This South African interpretation of the famous Bordeaux-style red blend is excellent at countering fat – creamy, buttery or otherwise fat-laden dishes such as duck-liver are excellent partners.

The preceding winter started late, but was cold enough to allow adequate dormancy. For the second consecutive year, rainfall was lower than average and irrigation dams were not filled entirely. Conditions for budding, flowering and setting were favourable (positive for harvest size), followed by a long, dry season (negative for harvest size). During ripening, cool nights were experienced (good for quality), while dry conditions still prevailed (disease-free and good concentration). Heat waves did not present problems. The above conditions resulted in healthy grapes and good concentration, analyses and flavours.

The different components were matured separately for 12 months in old 300-litre French oak barrels. Then blending and filtration followed. In September, 59 000 cartons (6 x 750 ml) and 100 magnums were bottled to be released as 2017 La Motte Millennium.

Grapes for the wine consist of Merlot (44%), Cabernet Franc (37%), Petit Verdot (9%) and Malbec (10%). Before and after de-stalking, all the grapes were hand-sorted. The de-stalked berries were inoculated with yeast immediately. Fermentation was at between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius while the wine was pumped over. After fermentation the wine was left on the lees for a further 20 days in order to enhance extraction and body. Malolactic fermentation was partly in barrels.

La Motte is a Franschhoek wine estate with a long-standing reputation for classic South African wines and Cape heritage. Known for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and elegant red blends, the estate combines Franschhoek character with a polished, food-friendly style.