Pangaea is a wine that transcends the status quo of fine wine. Built on Bordeaux varietals, it brings the best terroirs from around the globe together in a single wine – Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley, Merlot from the Right Bank of Bordeaux, Malbec from Argentina’s Uco Valley, Cabernet Franc from the Helderberg and Petit Verdot from Spain’s Castilla la Mancha.
Pangaea is the brainchild of South African Travis Braithwaite, and he convinced the world’s most famous wine consultant to join him on his quest, Michel Rolland. Few names are more influential in the fine wine world and even fewer with the credentials to match. In Rolland’s role as consultant, viticulturist and general advisor he is involved with more than 150 estates in 14 countries. Look to the quality of what’s in the bottle where Rolland is involved – Figeac, La Conseillante, l’Evangile, Angélus, Pavie and Smith Haut Lafitte among other great Bordeaux chateaux, as well as US cult wines Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate.
But what of the wine that is Pangaea? At almost 50% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa the wine carries that identity without any reservation. There is clear blue-fruited depth and Napa Cab power while the palate is marked by its drive, balance and structure, with a bone dry finish. Lisa Perotti-Brown (former editor-in-chief at Robert Parker) was the first major critic to taste and rate the wines where she scored the 2015 97 points with the unreleased 2019 raking up a perfect 100!
Packed in bespoke 3 bottle-cases, or available as loose bottles, Pangaea 2015 is a unique addition for fine wine collectors. It has no equal in the international fine wine market which operates on such a grand geographical scale. Volumes are limited, destined for only a handful of cellars.
Tasting Notes:
‘The 2015 Pangaea is composed of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), 31% Merlot (Right Bank Bordeaux), 17% Malbec (Valle de Uco, Argentina), 4% Petit Verdot (Dehesa del Carrizal Vino de Pago, Spain), and 4% Cabernet Franc (Helderberg, South Africa). Deep garnet in colour with a hint of purple,it comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of cinnamon toast, clove oil, menthol, and dark chocolate giving way to a gregarious core of creme de cassis,plum preserves, sandalwood, and rose oil with a waft of star anise. The full-bodied palate has a firm, grainy texture and seamless freshness framing the opulent black fruit and exotic spices layers finishing long and sparkly.’ – Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent, 97/100
