‘2021 was very cool and very late … but has turned out to be one of the best recent vintages in the Cape.’
Tim Atkin South African Report 2023
We recently conducted a blind tasting of SA’s top 2021s, and the Delaire Graff Botmaskop was an absolute knock-out! From one of the premier properties in Stellenbosch, the Botmaskop sells at a fraction of the price of other leading Bordeaux-styled reds. This is an absolute no-brainer to add value to your cellar. Balanced and elegant with understated power, the 2021 will offer drinking pleasure for decades to come. We are confident of the incredible quality on offer, even before it’s been tasted by the major critics.
The Delaire Botmaskop is named after the rising mountain behind the cellar, and this vintage is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot and 8% Merlot. With excellent conditions in 2021, especially for Stellenbosch, winemaker Morné Frey was able to create a super-charged Botmaskop! The wine has a fresh nose of crushed stone, graphite and a gradual crossover of red to cassis fruit. The palate is also fresh and focused, with fine, firm tannins cloaked in quality oak, leading to a long, lingering and bone-dry finish. If you love Bordeaux reds, this if for you!
Various tastings of mature wines have again confirmed the immense value of cellaring wines from great vintages. Our recent tasting highlights include a Peter Barlow from 2009, a Moulin Touchais from 1996, Rustenberg Dry Red from 1982, and the brilliant Cheval Blanc from 2005 – all boasting freshness and layered complexity. Outstanding years like these give buyers the opportunity to buy deeper and for better value, and 2021 is just such a vintage.
