Glenelly Estate Reserve (2015)

Glenelly's Estate Reserve - the flagship wine from May-Eliane de Lencquesain's (of Pichon-Lalande fame) South African venture - is a real cracker of a wine. The wine blends Syrah (40%) with the typical bordeaux-blend varietals Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Merlot (10%) and Petit Verdot (10%). The blend combines the rich, savoury character of Syrah, with the blackberry, cherry, cassis and floral tones of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is supported by a firm tannin structure with elegant oak integration resulting from 18 months oak-ageing in French barriques. The palate presents a tremendous concentration of flavours with a great complexity and a fresh long finish. A fantastic, albeit softer, alternative to the more expensive Left-Bank Bordeaux blends. This wine was deservedly awarded 92 points from Wine Spectator.