Anthonij Rupert 2007 Red Blend, Lomarins, South Africa

A rare and exceptional Bordeaux style blend from South Africa, The vineyards for this specific blend were chosen from the estate's best sites. The LOrmarins vineyards with the decomposed granite supplied the richness and fullness to the wine. The Rooderust vineyards, which has more clay and a slightly warmer climate, supplied the intense fruit aromas. Together these vineyards produced a unique wine. Grapes were picked by hand, placed into small boxes and transported to the cellar in a refrigerated truck. In the cellar, the whole berries were manually double-sorted and then gravity-fed into wooden fermenters. Each batch was cold soaked for a few days and then slowly brought up to temperature. Fermentation takes place naturally. The wines were aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak, bottled unfiltered and bottle-aged for 24 months. Wine Spectator scored this 95 points saying "Dense but detailed, with gorgeous layers of blackberry pte de fruit, crushed plum, cassis and cherry preserves all seamlessly melded, while chocolate, Kenya AA coffee and roasted bay leaf notes fill in all the grooves on the finish. This has power, cut and balance. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2020."