Muratie Ansela van de Caab 2019 (Case of 6)

Rich and velvety, this is a tightly knit wine built to last yet accessible now thanks to its well-rounded tannins. Concentrated dark fruits (blackcurrants, cassis) are lifted by a slight tealeaf herbaceousness and plenty of wood spice (sandalwood, cigar box, graphite). There are also some savoury hints of olive tapenade, particularly on the lingering finish, which combined with fresh acid balance suggests improvement in bottle for at least a decade.

Who is Ansela van de Caab? Born into slavery at the Cape (her mother a slave from West Africa, her white father most likely a servant of the Dutch East India Company), Ansela lived at the notorious Slave Lodge and worked in the Company’s Garden until her manumission in 1695, when Laurens Campher brought her home to Muratie, along with their three children.

A triumph of persistence and patience, this Bordeaux-style red blend celebrates the coming together of this early Cape family.

Vinification

Each component (59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot) was individually hand-harvested, sorted, crushed and destalked prior to fermentation in classic open fermenters. After 16 months of maturation in French oak barrels (50% new) the components were tasted and selected for blending. The blend was then returned to the barrels for a further six months to ensure a good marriage.

Vivino: 4.2