The Mentors Orchestra 2019

This modern, multi-layered and Bordeaux-style blend shows aromas of blackcurrants, blueberries, plums and black cherries 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. As with a fine orchestra, this blend showcases the unique individual attributes of the different varietals, but together delivers a complexity beyond the sum of the components.

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

variety : Cabernet Sauvignon [ 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 10% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Franc, 2% Carménère ]

winery : The Mentors

winemaker : The Winemaking Team

wine of origin : Western Cape

analysis : alc : 14.73 % vol rs : 3.23 g/l pH : 3.41 ta : 6.45 g/l

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

pack : Bottle size : 750ml closure : Cork

AWARDS

2022 Lumo Awards - Gold
2021 Veritas Awards - Gold

ageing :

The wine can be opened now or cellared for up to eight years.

This is a blend of six varieties that went through a seven-stage selection process. This is the third year we include Carménère in the blend. Each wine was tasted individually to determine its own unique contribution to the blend. Blending was done with one objective: the whole had to be the best reflection of the different varietal characters; the wine had to feel “complete” to all senses. The result is a very typical Bordeaux-style wine, but with a touch of New World fruit aroma to add dimension and complexity.

The majority of fruit in the blend is from Stellenbosch that forms 52 % of the blend, a region known for producing exceptional Bordeaux varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot being dominant, contributes to different aspects of this New World Bordeaux-style wine.

in the vineyard :

The 2019 season showed great promise with improved winter rains. However, variable weather conditions, with continuous temperature fluctuations, resulted in inconsistent bud break, uneven flowering and set. Followed by slow and uneven ripening. Reds were most affected and overall yields were down. White varieties, except for the lower yields on Sauvignon Blanc, were as expected. The challenges are not without rewards: whites are bright and flavourful with good aromatics. Reds have soft tannins with rich fruit and generosity.

about the harvest: Grape bunches were hand-picked and sorted in the KWV The Mentors cellar, which ensured 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 six months before blending. This wine is truly about selecting the best-of-the-best of each variety.

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

email the winery

email this page

find our wines in :