The Mentors Orchestra 2017

This modern, multi-layered and Bordeaux-style blend shows aromas of blackcurrants, blueberries, plums and black pepper with nuances of pencil shavings and dried herbs. On the palate, the intense concentration is prompted by a firm tannin structure and layers of sweet fruit with an excellent follow-through.

The wine can be enjoyed on its own or paired with braised lamb shoulder or filet mignon.

variety : Cabernet Sauvignon [ 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Carménère ]

winery : The Mentors

winemaker : The Winemaking Team

wine of origin : Western Cape

analysis : alc : 14.69 % vol rs : 2.41 g/l pH : 3.34 ta : 6.42 g/l

type : Red style : Dry body : Medium taste : Fruity wooded

pack : Bottle size : 750ml closure : Cork

ageing : The wine can be opened now or cellared for up to 8 years.

Winter 2016 provided sufficient cold and higher rainfall for a great start to this vintage. Regular, small rains in spring and cool to moderate temperatures provided conditions for good, early-season can and canopy development. Bud break was even as was spring growth, but flowering was not-usually due to weather. Early leaf breaks directly after flowering allowed sunlight to even out the vintage, as did early green harvesting of retarded bunches.

Growth and development sped up in moderate conditions that ensured outstanding vine health. Warmth from late December to January, drought and lighter yields, meant another record early start to harvest that ran until early March. Despite shifts in variety harvest order, wine quality looks fabulous.

in the vineyard :

Vineyards: 66% Stellenbosch, 16% Paarl, 11% Wellington, 7% Robertson

Yield: 6-8 tons/ha

about the harvest: Grape bunches were hand-picked and sorted in The Mentors cellar, only the best of each variety went into the blend.

in the cellar :

After fermentation, the most promising wines were chosen to continue maturation in barrel. After 12 months, again the finest were selected to mature for a further 6 months before blending. This wine is truly about selecting the best-of-the-best of each variety.

Maturation: The wine matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, 70% of which were first-fill.

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