The dry 2015 weather led to one of the healthiest seasons in years with very little loss. Warm weather resulted in earlier bud break and a warm, dry and windy summer regulated growth and accelerated ripening. Wines were above average in quality with exceptional analysis and flavor.
Wine Description
The Story
From Delaire Graff mountain vineyards the grapes were handpicked in the fresh hours of the early morning.
Extensive sorting of the grapes formed part of the quality management process. The grapes were de-stemmed only, not crushed, to ensure gentle extraction of fruit avors. Whole berry fermentation and gentle punch downs ensured extra care in handling of grapes. After basket pressing, the wine matured in French oak barrels for 16 months, 50% new, where malolactic fermentation took place.
Rich aromas of cassis and spice with intense liquorice and blackberry avors on the palate and ne, lingering tannins. Optimal aging potential of 5–8 years
Wine Information
Delaire Graff Estate is situated in Stellenbosch in the heart of South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine region. Founded by Simon van der Stel in 1679, Simon brought a sound knowledge of viticulture, the art of wine making – fostering a tradition that has grown from strength to strength through the centuries. In 1982 John Platter, well known wine writer, bought Delaire, then known as Avontuur. Looking at the magnificent view, he decided to rename the farm Delaire Estate, meaning “From the Sky”. Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International acquired the estate in 2003 and vowed to transform it into South Africa’s most desirable art, hospitality and wine destination.
Delaire Graff Estate aims for red wines that are big in structure with soft tannins and elegance, and white wines which capture the freshness of the harvest. With one of the most advanced cellars in the Southern Hemisphere, which became operational in 2008, in just three years the Estate can be comfortably rated as one of the top ten wine producers in South Africa.