John Platter 5* 2012

Stellenbosch Region

This wine is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon from slate soils in the Bottelary area of Stellenbosch, 23% Petit Verdot from coffee stone gravel soils (also in the Bottelary area), and 23% Merlot from slate deep red soils from decomposed granite in Stellenbosch's Banhoek Valley.

Maturation takes place in small 225-litre French barriques - of which 40% are new - and lasts for 20 months with regular rackings. The wine received a light egg white fining before bottling with no filtration.

Colour

This wine exhibits a dark plum skin colour in the centre with a bright ruby rim.

Nose

The nose has aromas of fresh Christmas cake, dark cherries, ripe mulberries, blackcurrant and a hint of roasted fennel bulb and mint. These are underscored by notes of cocoa and savoury meats with hints of roasted almonds and cedar to complement this complex nose.

Palate

Full, rich, lingering and dry is the best way to describe the palate. It is mouth-filling and packed with flavours of dark cherries, plums, cassis and mulberries. This blend offers ripe fruit flavours with a savoury mid-palate of smoked meats, fennel bulb and roasted spices. The tannins are firm and dry, offering an exceptionally long finish.

Food Pairing

Serve with smoked meats, venison pie, beef fillet with a red wine sauce or an oxtail stew made in an osso buco style. The wine also pairs well with hard cheeses.

Maturation

To be enjoyed immediately after release but will improve with cellaring for up to 12 years from harvest.