In 1979 San Louis fell ill, stopped eating and grew tremendously weak. His grave was dug, but as he was being let to it, the decision was made to try and treat him for a little longer. Seven months later he had recovered completely. On 7 February 1981 San Louis won the 1600m Guineas horse race, one of South Africa’s most prestigious races. This vineyard is situated on deep, calcareous soils that allow deep root penetration. This enables the vineyard to withstand heat and drought.

IN THE CELLAR

The Shiraz grapes were harvested on 10 March at 24.5° balling. The wine was fermented for 7 days on the skins with twice daily pump overs. The wine was aged in 30% new American oak barrels for 18 months. Only 300 cases of this wine were produced.

VINTAGE CONDITIONS

2020 was the perfect vintage at the start of an otherwise crazy year. The winter was cold with good rainfall. The spring was wet with fairly high mildew pressure. Through good vineyard management, they were able to ensure a very healthy crop. 2020 will be regarded as one of the better vintages in the region

The Robertson Wine Valley has the longest unbroken lineage of winemaking and grape-growing families in the country. The De Wet family, producing wine over five generations, embodies this heritage, with South Africa being the oldest ‘New World’ wine-producing country in the world. Wine has been made on Excelsior Estate for 170 years. It is now the most important crop on the farm, with Excelsior exporting wine to over 20 countries. The farm has 220ha (550 acres) planted with noble cultivars such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. There are also small plantings of blending cultivars like Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Viognier. The aim is to produce full-bodied wines that display intense fruit. They achieve this by using strict vineyard practices to ensure a healthy, well-ripened crop. The grapes are harvested by hand, allowing greater quality control and optimal ripeness. Low-yielding vines produce very concentrated fruit, resulting in fresh and zesty whites and deep-coloured intense reds. The weather is moderate, with hot days and cool oceanic breezes in the afternoons and evenings. These temperature fluctuations provide very healthy ‘veraison’ (colour change and even ripening). Additionally, they cultivate 45ha (110 acres) of citrus, with 21ha (50 acres) dedicated to an empowerment project for their 80 employees, all of whom live on the estate. As winemaking pioneers in the region, we have introduced innovative practices such as drip irrigation to the South African wine industry. Furthermore, they are 50% solar powered, which is uncommon in the wine industry.

T-bone steak med/rare served with monkeygland sauce will complement the nose of chocolate and espresso.