Description
CELLAR INFORMATION Winter started later and was warmer than normal but rainfall was good during the season. Above average temperatures in July resulted in uneven bud break and smaller berries on certain cultivars. Temperature fluctuations in September and October resulted in uneven bunches however weather conditions improved in November. A warmer February resulted in earlier harvesting of certain cultivars. Rain and cool conditions in March slowed down ripening of red wine varietals, which resulted in a later harvest at relatively lower sugar levels. 18 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. VINEYARD INFORMATION Helderberg, Stellenbosch. North & North-East facing slopes. Decomposed granite – Oakleaf, Tukulu. ± 410 m above sea level. 9 km from False Bay.
Reviews
Greg Sherwood 92
"The 2019 Merlot from Uva Mira shows an attractive, plush, opulent aromatics jam-packed full of earthy black currant, black plum compote, sweet tobacco, sappy sandalwood, and milk chocolate nuances. Showing all the depth and power of the 2019 vintage, the palate remains soft and supple with a silky, fleshy entry enlivened by tart, bright, plumy acids, crunchy red currant, and drying mineral framing tannins. There is an impressive density and plump palate weight, but it never tends towards heavy or muscley, remaining wonderfully sleek, lithe, and crunchy with just a subtle touch of salty, flinty reduction on the finish. Modern and polished in style, this wine just needs a juicy steak to complete the perfect partnership. Drink now and over the next 5 to 8+ years, but definitely no rush." – Greg Sherwood MW. [Greg Sherwood, 26/06/2024]
Producer Profile
Given owner Toby Venter’s assumed need for speed, as CEO of LSM Distributors, responsible for Porsche and Lamborghini in South Africa, as well as the owners of Kyalami race track, his purchase of Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards in 2013, up against the slopes of the Helderberg seems in direct contrast to this high octane lifestyle.
Everything in wine is time. Uva Mira is named for a famous star in the constellation of Cetus (a Greek sea monster who was offered the princess Andromeda to appease Poseidon but was slain by Perseus either by sword or using Medusa’s head which turned him to stone – the details are complicated and murky). The giant red star named ‘the wonderful’ or ‘Mira’ in Latin undergoes a 332-day cycle of fading into obscurity, becoming bright, and then fading again (over almost a year), drawing parallels between winemaking and stargazing. The patience inherent to growing grapes, understanding the terroir, blending, and maturation, the once-a-year opportunity to harvest, and the celebration once you can taste the literal fruits of your labour – explains the name Uva Mira, Latin meaning The Wonderful Grape.
