Eikendal releases latest vintage of Bordeaux-style flagship

Eikendal releases latest vintage of Bordeaux-style flagship

Eikendal, the prominent Cape Winelands cellar situated on the slopes of the Helderberg in an area renowned for its acclaimed red wines, has just released the 2005 vintage of its elegant Classique – the Bordeaux-style blend that proudly wears the crown as the estate’s flagship red.

With Cabernet Sauvignon stealing the spotlight (73%), the wine also introduces the classical touch of Cabernet franc (27%) which adds gentle fruit layers and finesse to this oak-matured cellar masterpiece.

“Owing to our favourable terroir, fanned by cooling maritime breezes and ideal soil compositions, both red varieties deliver a strong sense of varietal integrity and quality, expressed wonderfully in this full-flavoured wine,” says Eikendal cellar master Henry Kotzé.

“I always love the challenge of working with different grape varieties as they allow enormous scope for the winemaker to be creative with his blending. The 2005 vintage was no exception,” he added.

After the grapes were harvested from the Eikendal vineyards, they were destemmed and only the finest berries were hand-selected. These berries found their way into the fermentation tanks via a conveyor system. After a light crushing and gentle regular punch down actions, the wine was left on the skins for two weeks after fermentation. Each grape variety was vinified separately

Both wines spent 18 months in new French oak barrels before they were blended together, after which further maturation continued in older barrels over a six month period. The wine was bottle aged for a year prior to its release.

Described by the winemaker as a ‘wine that personifies what Eikendal is all about’ the Classique 2005 is a sensual yet substantial wine that unfolds a layered berry bouquet harmoniously backed by an integrated oak character. Juicy ripe black fruit, infused with spicy, peppery flavours coat the palate with hints of truffle and earthy herbaceous influences pointing to a strong Cabernet Sauvignon presence.

Alluring with a dark brick red hue, it is a full-bodied, well-structured wine with a long elegant finish lingering on the aftertaste. Fine, silky tannins grip the pallet and provide great potential for further ageing.

Eikendal Classique 2005 is an excellent choice with robust beef, venison and ostrich carpaccio, whilst vegetarians can enjoy this red wine with roasted or grilled vegetables infused with olive oil, garlic and herbs or with a gourmet cheese platter.