In 2003, at the age of 78, May de Lencquesaing, then owner of the famous Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, a Grand Cru Classé from Pauillac, Bordeaux, purchased Glenelly Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa. With a nod to the French Huguenot settlers 300 years before, she set about planting vines to replace the existing fruit trees, realizing her vision of establishing a thriving winery that best utilizes the soils and microclimate of the valley and supports local economic development and the community. May bought Glenelly Estate to continue the French heritage of winemaking in South Africa that goes back more than three centuries. The wines are fermented naturally and made with as little intervention as possible, seeking to achieve the perfect balance of French style and South African terroir.
Perhaps most well-known for its Pinotage and Bordeaux blends, Stellenbosch also produces noteworthy wines from Syrah, Chenin blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc. The district’s wards—Banghoek, Bottelary, Devon Valley, Jonkershoek Valley, Papegaaiberg, Polkadraai Hills and Simonsberg-Stellenbosch—all produce distinctive wines from vines with relatively low yields.
We will sample:
GLENELLY ESTATE CHARDONNAY ESTATE RESERVE 2021 — Displays a bright crisp color with vibrant citrus, lime zest and hints of butterscotch on the nose. The palate is lush and the texture is underpinned with mineral notes of toasted almond and vanilla. Medium to full-bodied. 13% ABV. $28/9.50
GLENELLY ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON GLASS COLLECTION 2020 — Comprises various parcels from the slopes of Glenelly. Youthful, leafy and very pure, with blackcurrant Pastille fruit, tangy acidity and fine tannins. 14% ABV. $16.99/6
GLENELLY ESTATE RESERVE 2016 — The signature red blend of Glenelly. It combines the rich and savory character of the Syrah (pepper and spices) with Cabernet Sauvignon (blackberries, cherries and floral spices) and with touches of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Fine tannins supported by ripe fresh fruit and hints of spices. The blend is different with every vintage: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Franc. 14.5% ABV. $28/9.50
See you Friday!!