Winemaker Chris Keet

The vintage of 2017 saw the stars aligning to near perfection. Weather conditions building up to the harvest were characterised by moderate temperatures, cool summer breezes from the south west, average rainfall, low fungal disease pressure and prolonged ripening processes. This culminated in grapes with perfect synchronisation of sugar development, acid status, varietal flavours and mature, silky tannins.

The 2017 First Verse is a deceptive wine. A Bordeaux-style blend that has longevity in its DNA, yet satisfies the eager palate. Underlying the elegance, restraint and harmony is a core of focus, power and volume with textural precision. The purity of fruit is supported by subtle and seductive French Oak aromas with tannins polished to a fine-grained texture.

2017 First Verse is a blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 7% Petit Verdot.

Tasting Notes:

With a deep, dark and brooding nose. Layered, plush and inviting. As the wine opens up, notes of earth, wet tobacco and cocoa join the dark fruit.

The Cabernet Franc adds the spicy, restrained elegance and fine-grained tannins, the Merlot introduces plum and red berry flavours, while the Cabernet Sauvignon provides rigidity with firm tannins and blackberry and cassis flavours. The rich and ripe mulberry flavours of the Malbec are balanced by the fresh red berry acidity provided by the Petit Verdot.

Best Enjoyed:

Venison, Lamb, Poultry and Beef

Optimum Drinking Time: 3- 20 years

Accolades:

While it is yet to be rated by critics, the First Verse is now fully established as one of South Africa's very best Bordeaux-style wines and the newly released 2017 is staggeringly good.