Choose between 2002 - 2007 & 2009 - 2012 vintages
Colour: Opaque heart, with vibrant brick red edges
Palate: Silky smooth and sweet, with luscious ripe fruit woven into elegantly constructed tannins. This wine will reward even further if decanted
Nose: Initial aromas are of black and red cherries, strawberry shortcake and cassis. There are also intriguing earthy and spicy nuances of liquorice, vanilla and sweet cinnamon. Aeration will release plum, mulberry and raspberry notes
Morgenster Lourens River Valley 2012 (6/case) (R211/BOTTLE)
According to winemaker Henry Kotzé who worked on this, his second Bordeaux harvest for the Estate, the increasing maturity of the vines - they vary in age from 7 to 18 years - facilitated his and the viticulturist’s efforts to bring the fruit to the specific ripeness he wanted.
Keeping with the philosophy behind Morgenster Lourens River Valley, he focused on letting the fruit do the talking and making the wine to be a true reflection of the terroir and what can best be achieved with it under any given vintage. The rounded silky tannins are already soft and velvety and the wine shows all the makings of being in it for the long run.
Food suggestions:
Pairs well with big flavored meat dishes as well as roast duck, poultry and ostrich served with salad and a well-aged balsamic dressing. A great match with Italian dishes like wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil, a rocket and basil salad, or roast lamb with black olive paste
In The Vineyard:
2012 was the third dry growing season in a row. That, combined with a cool start to spring, reduced fruit set. January was very hot, followed by cool and dry conditions which allowed sugars to ripen gradually and delayed harvest start. The last grapes were crushed two to three weeks later than usual
In The Cellar:
18 months in French oak as follows: New Oak 30%, 2nd fill 10% 3rd fill 20%, 4th fill 20% 5th fill 20%. Bottling was done on 5 February 2014
Winemaker: Henry Kotze
Main Variety: Cabernet Franc
Alcohol 14.4
ph 3.58
rs 2.5
Total Acid 5.8
Style: Dry
Type: Red
Body: Full
Taste: Fruity
Ageing Potential:
Morgenster’s sibling Bordeaux blend is designed in an inviting and easily accessible style to let the fruit do the talking first while still reflecting a beautiful balance between fruit, tannins and acidity. Evolution and longevity are also a part of this process, as in Morgenster Reserve, the flagship Bordeaux blend. Grapes came from vineyards with a diversity of soils, from deep decomposed granite to the stonier decomposed Table Mountain Sandstone. The wine spent an additional one to two weeks on the skins post fermentation. The Cabernet component underwent malolactic fermentation in third fill 300 litre barrels which provided early integration of the complicated tannin structure and had a stabilizing effect on the colour. Winemaker Henry Kotzé says Morgenster Lourens River Valley 2012 will continue to surprise and delight for the next 15 years.
Blend Information:
Cabernet franc 71% Merlot 24% Cabernet Sauvignon 5%