Rich and velvety, this is a tightly knit wine built to last yet accessible now thanks to its well-rounded tannins. Concentrated dark fruits (blackcurrants, cassis) are lifted by a slight tealeaf herbaceousness and plenty of wood spice (sandalwood, cigar box, graphite).
There are also some savory hints of olive tapenade, particularly on the lingering finish, which combined with fresh acid balance suggest improvement in bottle for at least a decade.
There are also some savory hints of olive tapenade, particularly on the lingering finish, which combined with fresh acid balance suggest improvement in bottle for at least a decade.
The varietals for our Ansela were all hand harvested, sorted, crushed, destalked and fermented in classic open fermenters. Its components (59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot) were individually hand-harvested, sorted, crushed and destalked prior to fermentation in classic open fermenters.
After 16 months of maturation in French oak barrels (50% new) the components were tasted and selected for blending. The blend was then returned to the barrels for a further six months to ensure a good marriage.
Winemaker: Hattingh de Villiers
After 16 months of maturation in French oak barrels (50% new) the components were tasted and selected for blending. The blend was then returned to the barrels for a further six months to ensure a good marriage.
Winemaker: Hattingh de Villiers
Tucked into the exquisite Knorhoek Valley north of Stellenbosch, Muratie Wine Estate, one of the oldest estates in South Africa, under the stewardship of Rijk Melck and his family, has been at the heart of a lot of passionate debate. This debate is centered largely around the desire to protect a century’s old wine experience that is a magnet for wine lovers around the world.
Muratie's rich history is captured in every nook and cranny. Wherever you are on the estate you cannot help being moved by a sense of the many generations that have lived and worked there. The buildings, the artifacts and even the shrubs and trees exude an aura of the colorful past reaching towards an even more fruitful future.
Standing in front of the cellar door at Muratie, you will see a small white building - This was the first home that Lourens Campher built for his family. Beside the house is the oak tree his wife, Ansela van de Caab, planted. The strength and beauty of the tree is testament to the steadfast love Lourens had for his Ansela.
Muratie's rich history is captured in every nook and cranny. Wherever you are on the estate you cannot help being moved by a sense of the many generations that have lived and worked there. The buildings, the artifacts and even the shrubs and trees exude an aura of the colorful past reaching towards an even more fruitful future.
Standing in front of the cellar door at Muratie, you will see a small white building - This was the first home that Lourens Campher built for his family. Beside the house is the oak tree his wife, Ansela van de Caab, planted. The strength and beauty of the tree is testament to the steadfast love Lourens had for his Ansela.