Description
ORIGIN
Grapes for this wine are from vineyards in Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek.
VINTAGE
The season got off to a good start, with normal bud burst, flowering, and fruit set. Initial shoot growth was slow but accelerated later, especially after early December rains, which also increased disease
pressure. The berry set occurred earlier than usual. Analyses of the early grapes were positive, although there was a sudden drop in acidity for some of the later grapes. The intensity of flavours is excellent. The 2023 season will be remembered for heavy rainfall in March, which particularly affected the later red grapes. Most of the grapes for this Millennium were, however, harvested before the rain.
VITICULTURE
Each vineyard has a unique macroclimate and grows on a wide variety of soils. Different clones are represented. All vineyards are trained according to the Perold system and managed to achieve perfect
balance in leaf coverage and fruit load. The various terroirs result in distinctive grapes from each area, so each contributes uniquely to the wine’s flavour and structure.
VINICULTURE
The blend for this wine consists of Merlot (68%), Cabernet Franc (30%), and Petit Verdot (2%). Some grapes were hand-harvested, while others were machine-harvested and sorted. Hand-harvested
grapes were sorted again in the cellar before whole berries were transferred to stainless steel fermentation tanks. Fermentation occurred at 25 – 30°C, with regular pump overs.
The blend for this wine consists of Merlot (68%), Cabernet Franc (26%), Petite Sirah (Durif) (4%), and Petit Verdot (2%). Some grapes were hand harvested, while others were machine-harvested and sorted. Hand-harvested grapes were sorted again in the cellar before whole berries were transferred to stainless steel fermentation tanks. Fermentation occurred at 25 – 30°C, with regular pump overs.
Each component was aged separately in 300-litre French oak barrels for 12 months, before the components were blended and filtered. The wine was bottled in May 2025. Production: 40,000 cases of 6 bottles each.
CELLARMASTER’S IMPRESSIONS
Merlot and Cabernet Franc form a classic combination, as found in some of the world’s most celebrated wines. The Shiraz contributes elegance to the palate, while a small percentage of Petit Verdot adds colour, spice, and complexity to the blend. Aromas of black berries and plums are dominant, with subtle sweet notes of fruitcake and
dark toffee in the background. Cloves and integrated roasted oak notes are also present. The palate is medium-bodied with soft, lively tannins and a lingering berry finish.
CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE
This iconic red blend pairs beautifully with red meat and roasts. Its well-balanced structure also complements mild curries and hard cheeses, while truly shining alongside creamy sauces and the earthy richness of mushrooms.
