New Release | The crown jewel of Delaire Graff cabernet

It must certainly be a tall task for any winemaker, when asked to create a wine that bears the name of the estate’s proprietor. No less, when that proprietor is famed English jeweller and businessman Laurence Graff.

So, when winemaker Morné Vrey joined the team, it was a project he thought would take years to come to fruition. That was until he discovered block eight and the premium quality cabernet sauvignon grapes these 22-year-old vines provided.

The first vintages while predominantly cabernet had a touch of Bordeaux varieties. However, when the farm received Estate status in 2015 the Laurence Graff was elevated to not only a single varietal but also a single vineyard wine — all coming from this one special block of vines.

Only released in superlative years, the wine (which was first launched in 2009) through its six previous vintages, has gained a reputation for being an exceptional and elegant expression of Banghoek Valley cabernet sauvignon, and the 2017 vintage is no different.

The perfumed nose draws you in with aromas of violet, blackcurrant, fynbos and oak spices. The palate follows with remarkable freshness and superb fruit concentration, the ripe red cherry and black plum harmoniously woven with the subtle notes from the most impressive oak integration (considering the 80% new oak, the sheer elegance of this wine is astounding).

Medium to full-bodied, with great structure, velvety tannins and exceptional length. It's a wine of balance and utmost elegance, remarkably poised and graceful.

The Delaire Graff Reserve Laurence Graff 2017 is available online and in-store from premium wine retailers, starting at R4,200 per bottle.

For more information visit www.delaire.co.za