2017 Warwick Three Cape Ladies

South Africa does well with Bordeaux blends, the combination of Bordeaux grapes, but also has its own 'Cape Blend'. In this, French grapes are combined with the 'own' pinotage to create a composition that is unique for the Cape – and that is worth something. Three Cape Ladies is an example of such a Cape Blend. The three 'ladies' in the game are: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Pinotage and 12% Cabernet Franc that combine in a special and excellent way. It works wonderfully. No wonder that this wine now accounts for a third of Warwick's sales, so we can speak of a true success number.

The grapes for this Cape Blend are harvested, destemmed and sorted separately. The alcoholic fermentation and skin maceration lasts 14 to 30 days, during which the wine is regularly pumped over the 'hat' (the skins that float to the top). This extracts color, tannin and flavor. The wine then undergoes a barrel aging, of which 10% in new French oak for a period of 27 months. The blend is then made and there is a light filtration before the wine is bottled.

In the glass, the Three Cape Lady is ruby red in color with warm fruit, blackcurrant and cherry compote on the nose with a hint of rosemary. The palate is rich and structured with bright red fruit and strong tannins, cigar box and dark chocolate on the finish. Delicious with classic roast lamb or slow-cooked oxtail.

Harvest Year 2017 - 90pt (Tim Atkin)
Harvest Year 2017 - 90pt (Platter's)