ZORGVLIET SILVER MYN ARGENTUM
This is a small 200,000-bottle winery in Banghoek, on the Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. It’s pronounced ‘Sorg-fleet’, which roughly translates to 'no worries', and that sentiment carries itself through all they do. Winemaker Bernard Le Roux is a young and upcoming talent who is passionate about the estate’s vineyards as well as its cellar (not always a given for winemakers!). Grapes are grown on the steep slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in vineyards that are among the highest in Stellenbosch. The estate wines are from site-specific single vineyards and are elegant expressions of this unique mountain terroir, all crafted in the Zorgvliet cellar, one of the most technologically advanced cellars in South Africa.
East and north-south facing rows on alluvial soil at an altitude of 260m and approximately 10k from the sea. The average age of the vines are 10-11 years old. The blend is lovingly crafted from Merlot 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 28%, Cabernet Franc 14%, Petit Verdot 6% and Malbec 2%. Grapes were harvested by hand and berry sorted into stainless steel fermenters. Fermentation commenced spontaneously and was finished with a pure strain. Extraction was done with a combination of punch-down, rack-and-return and pump-over methods. Batches were gently pressed and immediately racked to small French oak barrels and 4500L oak "foudre" where they completed malolactic fermentation. The components were racked three times to clarify and develop the wines. Blending took place after 12 months aging.
This blend from the Bordelaise specialists of Banghoek Valley is brim full of dark, crunchy Cabernet-family fruit with dark curranty corners. The palate finishes long, textural with a touch of hoisin sauce. Try with barbecued red meats, herby grilled chicken or even thick spicy south east Asian dishes.