Description
The 2019 Big G is a bold and structured wine made from handpicked, carefully sorted grapes. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 21% Merlot, the wine is wild fermented with 10% barrel fermentation in new oak. It offers rich aromas of ripe dark fruit, cassis, and graphite, complemented by subtle herbaceous notes, blueberry, thyme, and hints of cedarwood and pencil shavings. The palate is soft and smooth, with integrated tannins and a creamy cassis freshness. A silky mid-palate leads to a long finish filled with dark fruit and lingering flavors, creating a wine with excellent tension and complexity.
Reviews
Greg Sherwood 95
Always one of the estate s most popular wines, the high anticipated Holden Manz Big G 2019 is finally release and boy what a cracker it is. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc, which were all handpicked and hand sorted to select the very best fruit for this cuvee, before being fermented using natural wild yeasts with a 10% portion in new oak barrels. The aromatics are seductively dark and broody with layers of ripe black berry compote, damson plum, black currant, cedarwood and sweet Christmas spices. In the mouth, the wine is super plush, seductive, and wonderfully round, coating the palate with notes of hoisin plum sauce, sweet cherry tobacco, and exotic black and blueberry fruits, that are enveloped by the supplest of silky ripe tannins. Beautifully balanced and fresh yet delightfully intense and concentrated, this is a very voluptuous Cape Bordeaux Blend with focus, power and poise. I absolutely love it as I m sure all devoted Holden Manz fans will too. Drink now and over the next 8 to 10 years. [Greg Sherwood, 01/05/2024]
Producer Profile
A family owned wine producer located in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley. Established by owners Gerard Holden (a British investment banker in another life) & Migo Manz in 2010. The 22ha estate is situated between the Franschhoek River and Stony Brook at 300m above sea level. With only 16 ha under vine, their focus has always been red grape varieties, though their stellar white wines, from the reserve Chardonnay, to the Chenin Blanc, and now Semillon requires further inspection. Best you read the critic’s notes and taste, to see for yourself!
