Millennium

This South African interpretation of the famous Bordeaux-style red blend, the La Motte Millennium responds very well to red meat and roasts. Its accommodating structure also allows for mild curries and hard cheese. It is exceptional with creamy sauces and the earthiness of mushroom.

The 2018 winter was more favourable than the previous three years and with enough rainfall for dam levels to recover. Budding was good, though bunch formation was negatively affected by wet and windy conditions during flowering. The summer was relatively cool and harvest commenced slightly later than normal. Analyses were promised with acids and low pH levels. Bunch development was uneven and impeded harvesting time. This was one of the smallest harvests since 2015. A variety of soil types and clones are represented, but each vineyard grows in its own macro climate. All the vineyards are trellised according to the Perold system and are managed to maintain the perfect balance between leaf coverage and yield. Thanks to the variety in terroir, each area produces distinctive grapes to contribute unique flavour and structure.

The various components were matured separately for 12 months in old 300-litre French oak barrels, followed by blending and filtration.

The blend consists of Merlot (48%), Cabernet Franc (37%), Malbec (10%) and Petit Verdot (5%). In the vineyards a combination of hand and machine harvesting are used. Grapes were sorted in the cellar and transferred to stainless steel tanks. Fermentation took place during pump overs and at between 25 °C an 30 °C.

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.