Glenelly Estate, nestled in the Ida’s Valley of Stellenbosch, South Africa, was established in 2003 by May de Lencquesaing, former owner of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Bordeaux. Her vision was to create wines that embody both the elegance of French tradition and the richness of South African terroir. The Estate Reserve Red 2017 is the estate’s signature blend, reflecting this harmonious fusion.

The 2017 vintage experienced a late winter with sufficient cold to ensure vine dormancy, followed by low rainfall leading to reduced soil moisture. Spring brought even bud burst, and the warm, dry season resulted in smaller berries with concentrated flavours. The harvest commenced earlier than usual, yielding high-quality fruit. The blend comprises 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 12% Syrah, 7% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Grapes were hand-sorted, lightly crushed, and underwent a cold soak for three days before natural fermentation. Post-fermentation, the wine experienced extended skin contact for 2-3 weeks and was then matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, with regular rackings every four months.

Appearance: The wine displays a deep garnet core with a vibrant ruby rim, indicating both its youth and potential for extended ageing. The colour intensity suggests concentration, while its clarity and brilliance reflect meticulous winemaking. Swirling the glass reveals slow-forming, pronounced legs, indicating its rich texture and moderate to full body. A slight inky depth at the core hints at the wine’s structure, while subtle brick-red undertones begin to emerge at the edges, foreshadowing its graceful evolution with age.

Aroma: The nose offers rich aromas of cassis and mulberry, complemented by notes of cedar and tobacco, underscoring the Cabernet Sauvignon’s prominence. Hints of red and black cherries, along with a subtle black pepper spice, reveal the Syrah’s influence. As the wine opens, layers of mocha, Christmas cake, sandalwood, and leather emerge, adding complexity and depth. A delicate floral undertone of violets and dried lavender further enhances its aromatic elegance.

Taste: On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with intense fruit flavours of blackcurrant and plum. The mid-palate showcases red and black cherries, enhanced by a touch of black pepper spice. The tannins are firm yet well-integrated, providing structure and balance. Subtle notes of mocha and sandalwood contribute to the wine’s depth and elegance. Hints of dark chocolate, clove, and a touch of graphite add further layers, giving the wine an intriguing complexity.

Finish: The finish is long and layered, with the vibrant dark fruit flavours gradually giving way to more savoury notes of tobacco leaf, cedarwood, and finely ground spice. A refined mineral edge lingers, complementing the wine’s acidity, which ensures freshness and vibrancy. The polished tannins leave a velvety, slightly chalky texture that extends the finish, with final whispers of black cherry, dried herbs, and roasted coffee beans adding to its depth. The balance of fruit, oak, and structure suggests a wine with excellent cellaring potential, promising further evolution over the next decade.

Food Pairing: This versatile red blend pairs well with a range of dishes. It complements grilled or roasted meats such as beef, lamb, or venison. Rich stews and casseroles, especially those with a tomato base, harmonise with the wine’s depth. For a vegetarian option, consider dishes featuring roasted root vegetables, wild mushroom ragout, or aged cheeses such as Comté or Manchego.

The Glenelly Estate Reserve Red 2017 exemplifies the estate’s dedication to producing wines of distinction, offering a sophisticated and memorable tasting experience that reflects the unique terroir of Stellenbosch.