2017 Overgaauw Shepherd's Cottage

Overgaauw Wine Landgoed was founded in 1905 by Abraham van Velden, whose grandfather emigrated to South Africa in 1848 together with his wife Elisabeth Overgaauw. As a tribute to his grandmother, he gave the estate the name Overgaauw. They produced typical wines at the time, but in 1968 a serious change came. Son David traveled that year, together with Frans Malan from Simonsig, to Bordeaux. They visited, among others, Château Lafite and Château Mouton Rothschild, which inspired them to let the red wines mature on barrique from now on. Together with Frans Malan, he bought barrels directly from Château Lafite. He started by making a Bordeaux blend, the Tria Corda. This was a great success and is still one of the top brands in the Overgaauw wine range.

Overgaauw Wine Estate is now one of the best in South Africa and can be called a classic wine house and is seen as a Bordeaux house but in South Africa and that is certainly not surprising knowing that the current generation of internships at Clos de Jacobins in Saint-Émilion led by Hubert du Boüard de Laforest, co-owner of Château Angelus. The style of wines that Overgaauw produces is based on a classic approach. The wines have a good backbone of acids. The red wines mature - whether or not in part - on French oak, which gives them excellent aging potential.

The Shepherd's Cottage is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot located on vineyards around 15-20 years old. The bottom of the vineyard has the typical deep red clay soil interwoven with granite which gives the wine a mineral touch. After fermentation, the wine aged 30% on French oak for 8 months, 60% aging in concrete barrels, 10% without aging. Purpose: minimal wood influence in order to bring out the fruit as well as possible but still give the wine the desired complexity. In the glass, the Shepherd's cottage has a deep color with purple reflection; richly filled aroma with blackberry compote, blueberries, leather and vanilla. Sturdy attack, accent on berry and cherry fruit interwoven with leather. Robust wine that is in place with a hearty meal such as spare ribs, BBQ red meat or a tasty chili con carne.

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