Vigneron's Notes
This is a pronounced blend of 6 different cultivars, selected from 6 single – barrel components.
A contrasting collection of expressions compared to the Cape Blend 2020.
Where-as the Cape Blend is a convergence of strictly Free Run components, emphasising it’s fruit, this Les Grandes Horisontales Rouge 2020 is an integration of the Press components of the same grapes, with a defined, bolder phenolic structure.
This is an intention to showcase the variation available from the same harvested grapes to express two different wine styles.
1922 bottles produced.
Vigneron's Notes
Five of the six cultivars are grown on the South facing slope of the Franschhoek Valley, shaded by it’s peaks for most of the morning. The resulting cooler, less Sunlight-exposed ripening climate carries it’s intention into this red blend.
The natural phenolic profile is the focus. Cooled grapes were fermented and macerated over 3-4 weeks in open fermenters.
The basket-pressed fractions of each cultivar were individually matured in aged 225L French oak barrels for 26 months.
The final blend consists of:
- Petit Verdot: 27 %
- Cabernet franc: 26%
- Shiraz: 17%
- Cabernet Sauvignon: 15 %
- Pinotage: 9 %
- Merlot: 7%
This is an elegant blend that is drinking well in 2025, with an hour or so to breathe uncorked. There is still potential in the bottle for storage 2025 – 2030, but the wine is also made for enjoyment and will evolve over a few hours in the open bottle.