An icon is defined as a person or object regarded as worthy of veneration. In the oenological context, it refers to a wine of such notable and consistent quality that it stands as a leader in its field.
In all that they do, the winemaking team at Delaire Graff Estate strive for icon status – and a reputation with longevity.
From the beginning of the process, these wines are crafted with intention. The perfect practice demands a restrained hand, a subtlety to any intervention plus a deceptively simple method, guiding the natural process to find harmony in its expressive balance.
This is an ambitious vision and one that comes together in the Laurence Graff Reserve. A truly iconic wine, classically elegant with a gravitas in tribute to its namesake, it stands at the pinnacle of cabernet sauvignon expressions. “I always believed, right from the beginning, if you’re going to do something, do it the best,” says founder, Laurence Graff OBE.
Planted in 2001, the vineyards in which the Laurence Graff Reserve grapes grow are expressive of their regionality. For cabernet sauvignon, the intriguing earthiness and elegant tannic structure are the hallmarks of Banghoek’s rich soil. Planted on the warm mountain slopes of the valley at Delaire Graff Estate, the rich red soils run deep, yielding smaller berry sizes with a more intense flavour.
A New Vintage
The Laurence Graff Reserve 2018 has been launched to critical acclaim. The fingerprint of the region can be distinctly identified by subtle nuances of mint and remnants of indigenous fynbos. Produced with meticulous care and patience, each grape was handpicked and sorted in the cool early hours of the South African morning, while whole berry fermentation and basket pressing ensured a gentle extraction of fruit. Afterwards, the wine was matured in 80 percent new French oak barrels for 18 months – a rigorous selection process identified only the finest five barrels – each one bringing forth a specific character within the final flavour profile of the wine.
The nose is characterised by freshness and spice, vanilla, dark chocolate and hay aromas. Silky and smooth on entry, the wine has a flinty minerality with subtle tannins and huge length and persistence. Tangy, ripe, almost over-ripe red berries, together with classic flavours of brambles and cassis dominate the flavour profile.
The Delaire Graff Icon Wine Club
South Africa’s most exclusive wine membership offers an opportunity to savour Delaire Graff Estate’s unique terroir through a portfolio of wines which rank among the most prestigious in the southern hemisphere. As an Icon Wine Club Member, you have access to limited-edition vintage releases and pre-releases from a coveted Icon Range to complete your private wine library.
Membership to the Icon Wine Club is by invitation only. For more information or if you are interested in joining, email wineclub@delaire.co.za.
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