Thibault 2009

De Wetshof Estate outside Robertson has a history dating back to 1949 and today is owned and managed by Danie De Wet and his sons, Peter (winemaker) and Johann (marketing).

Over many years, the estate has built up a reputation for producing a range high quality wines with a focus on Chardonnay. However, since Peter has been involved on the winemaking side they have introduced a few new wines to the portfolio including a gorgeous Cap Classique and now their first flagship red wine called the Thibault.

It is named after one of the most influential architects in the Cape’s history, Louis Michel Thibault, who was responsible for the design of the many beautiful Cape buildings during the 18th and 19th Centuries. In fact, the De Wets’ imposing main building at the end of their long tree-lined driveway is based on Thibault’s famous Koopmans-De Wet House in Cape Town.

The Thibault 2009 consists mainly of Merlot at 94 percent and the remaining six percent is from Cabernet Sauvignon. According to Peter, the inspiration for this Bordeaux-style wine was combining two of the world’s great classical grapes in order to create an elegant and powerful wine with its own individuality.

“The soil, geographical positioning and aspect of De Wetshof allows the wine to exhibit freshness, bright red fruit and a delicate plushness.

Typical Merlot and Cabernet characteristics lie at the core of this wine. Intense dark berries, bittersweet chocolate and pencil shavings abound, while palate weight, depth of presence and a lingering finish further enhance the drinking experience,” he adds.

We opened a bottle on the weekend and before serving we first decanted it to allow it to have its deserved aeration. This elegant wine was just as Peter described which all comes together on the rich and velvety palate.

A lovely wine to savour now but it will do no harm to lay down a few bottles for another six years!

Expect to pay: R287.00