Frans Malan 2017 - Simonsig

Wine of Origin South Africa, Stellenbosch.

2017 was a challenging year. The Western Cape's drought conditions and hot, dry climate have produced grapes with small berries but great intensity and concentration. Warm days followed by cool nights during the ripening period resulted in grapes with excellent color and size.

All the grapes to produce this Cape Blend Frans Malan 2017 are hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard, then cold-macerated for two days prior to fermentation. The Pinotage spends 6 days on the skins before pressing, with regular punch-downs occurring after inoculation. The Cabernet Sauvignon spends a total of 20 days on the skins. Pump-overs are done 3-4 times daily. The Merlot ferments for 9 days with 3 pump-overs per day.
Malolactic fermentation takes place in a combination of steel tanks and barrels. Finally, the wine ages for 13 months in French oak (86%) and American oak (14%) barrels. The barrels are 57% new, while the remaining 43% are second passage barrels.

Robert Parker: 89;
Tim Atkin: 91;
Diner's Platter: 90.