The Mentors Orchestra 2020

This modern, multi-layered and Bordeaux-style blend shows aromas of blackcurrants, blueberries, plums and black cherries with nuances of pencil shavings and dried herbs. On the palate, the intense concentration is prompted by a firm tannin structure and layers of sweet fruit with an excellent follow-through. As with a fine orchestra, this blend showcases the unique individual attributes of the different varietals, but together delivers a complexity beyond the sum of the components.

Soil in the Western Cape comprises ancient (350 million to 500 million years old) weathered soils of alluvial and volcanic origin. The alluvial soils are from both glacial and marine deposits. Some of the origins of the weathered soils are Table Mountain Sandstone, Granite and Malmesbury Shale. These have eroded over millennia and are now generally clay rich loam soils, which are most desirable for their ability to retain water for plant during summer months.

Grape bunches were hand-picked and sorted in the KWV The Mentors cellar, which ensured only the best of each variety went into the blend. After fermentation, the most promising wines were chosen to continue maturation in barrel. After 12 months, again the finest were selected to mature for a further six months before blending. This wine is truly about selecting the best-of-the-best of each variety. The wine matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, 70% of which were first-fill.

The wine matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, 70% of which were first-fill.

The wine can be enjoyed on its own or paired with braised lamb shoulder or fillet mignon.