Warwick Trilogy 2012

Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch

Winemaker: Nic van Aarde

Background:  Back in 1986 Norma Ratcliffe, the original owner and winemaker, produced the first vintage of the Warwick Trilogy, a blend of 3 classic Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Trilogy has since become a South African icon and has received accolades which include high ratings in overseas wine publications such as Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.  Trilogy has been served in the House of Lords and on the Captains table of the QE2, as well as by the Governor of the Bank of England. After more than 27 years of crafting Trilogy, the ongoing accolades continue to bring recognition to this family winery and all these endorse Warwicks affirmation that “we should measure our Cape wines against the toughest international standards”. The 2012 vintage was released this month and was made by winemaker Nic van Aarde who joined the team in 2011. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Cabernet Franc (32%) and Merlot which Nic selected parcels from different vineyards on the Estate. After the initial fermentation of each blending partner, malolactic fermentation was done in tank where after the wine’s were racked and transferred to 225litre French oak barrels for 26 months prior to blending and bottling.

Result: This dark plum coloured wine has aromas of ripe black cherry fruit with wafts of mocha. The palate is silky and stylish with delicious flavours of ripe prunes and raspberry with hints of chocolate and nuts on the long finish.

When to drink: now till 2024

Drink with what: We enjoyed it with roast Karoo lamb!

Expect to pay (prices may differ nationally): R356.00