Glenelly Estate Reserve Red Blend 2016

Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving.

The driving force behind Glenelly Estate is French winemaker May de Lencquesaing who was the owner and managing director of the Pauillac winery Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Bordeaux for over 30 years. In 2003 the 78-year old purchased a 123-hectare farm in Stellenbosch close to the legendary Rustenberg estate and set about transforming it into a prestigious winery.

The property is blessed with east-facing slopes, which is unusual for Stellenbosch, set in a saddle valley between hills with regular cooling breezes helping to moderate temperatures even in the hot summer months. Their Reserve Red Blend is Glenelly’s iconic bottling and is made in a “Grand Vin” Bordeaux style primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon along with Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.

All of the grapes are carefully picked and sorted by hand before being crushed into stainless steel tanks. After vinification the wine is transferred to French oak barrels for 18 months, adding delicate toasted and spice notes to the opulent dark fruit flavours. Big and bold, this is a great red to cellar for a few more years or to enjoy now alongside hearty red meat dishes like steak, game stews, or barbecued ribs.