Journey’s End Cape Doctor 2017

In 1995, the Gabb family (from Shropshire in the UK) bought their South African vineyard between the Schapenberg Hills near Somerset West and False Bay. In 2004 they released their first wine: Journey’s End Chardonnay 2002. Today they are still committed to sustainably and ethically producing excellent wines for all occasions, across their Journey’s End, Mount Rozier, Identity, and Gabb Family Vineyards.

As well as being WIETA (Wine & Agricultural Ethical Trade Association) and IPW Integrated Production of Wine) accredited, Journey’s End converted to solar power in 2014 and the farm became fully Fairtrade certified from April 2017. In 2020 they were named Ethical Company of the Year by The Drinks Business Green Awards, in recognition of Journey’s End Foundation’s work, which, since it began, aimed to provide 1,000,000 meals to local communities by the end of the year. Early in 2021, they attained WWF Conservation Champion status, for their continued commitment to sustainable farming and conservation of native fauna and flora.

Progressive winemaking methods are used, both in the vineyards and the cellar. These include a minimal intervention philosophy (allowing nature to run its course) carbonic maceration, and fermentation, and ageing in amphorae and concrete eggs.

The Cape Doctor is the local name for the strong south-easterly wind that blows from False Bay and funnels through to Cape Town and Blouberg. The Doctor works its magic by blowing away smog and impurities, clearing the skies and making way for fresh sea air. Because it can play havoc with the vines at flowering, it is often cited as a negative factor for winemakers. At Journey’s End, though, it has a beneficial effect of long ripening periods for the grapes, which produces concentrated berries with fantastically firm acidity. It also minimizes the risk of any fungal diseases on the vines.

This red blend contains 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot.