Grand Plaisir 2007 goes local

Until now Grand Plaisir has only been available for purchase on the farm and on the international market. But 500 cases of winemaker Niel Bester's signature wine, Grand Plaisir 2007, are being sold locally as part of the standard range for their top wine traders.

"The philosophy behind this wine is being able to source the best grapes from a selection of the farm's vineyards, specially earmarked for the making of Grand Plaisir," says cellarmaster Niel Bester. "Each wine stands out in terms of its varietal expression, but blended together they form a harmonious wine where no single cultivar dominates." Niel is known for producing classically styled yet accessible wines, working with great fruit coming from a very unique terrain, as well as the valuable input from his viticulture team.

 

The objective of the blend is to find an elegant balance where everything works together. Different layers of flavours increase the complexity of the wine, becoming more apparent as the wine breathes. The diversity of the farm is reflected, with its different soil types, micro-climate and fynbos areas.

For this blend the following choices were made: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, for its delicate elegance, and 15% Shiraz, for its sweet cherry and spicy white pepper flavours, followed by 10% each of Malbec, Merlot with its mostly floral notes, and Petit Verdot, for its big, bold, spice and colour. There are slightly sweet, but not aggressive tannins, leaving one with the impression that the tannins are solid enough to give many years of ageing. It will pair well with hearty winter warming beef dishes and pot roasts. Grand Plaisir 2007 retails at approximately R260 per bottle.

Tel 021 874 1071