Gabrielskloof The Blend 2019
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Blend: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot
Gabriëlskloof is the realization of a dream for South African Bernhard Heyns, who searched for several years to find the unique piece of land that, in his words, would “root him to the spot”. In 2001 he found what was then a canola farm named ‘Avontuur’ and the penny dropped. It was soon obvious that the site had the potential to make high-quality wines with a distinctive character, and so it has proved. Gabrielskloof has been owned and run by the Heyns family ever since. That family has since grown to include members of the local community, several of whom have risen through the ranks to senior positions at the farm.
Engaging with and being a part of uplifting their local community is the driving force behind their employment approach and the farm has both been part of and initiated several local upliftment programs in the vicinity. The arrival of Peter-Allan Finlayson as cellar master in 2014 has ushered in a new and exciting era for the farm, notably with the Landscape Series and Projects Range, wines from which have routinely featured in critic’s choice awards in recent years.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
A relatively cool, maritime climate area, Walker Bay includes three important wards: Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. These sites benefit from the cooling ocean winds and are reputed for the production of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinotage.