Glenelly "Glass Collection" Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

This vibrant Stellenbosch Cabernet represents a blend of diverse parcels sourced from Glenelly’s sloped vineyards, encapsulating the essence of the Simonsberg Mountian. It carries a youthful, leafy nature and remarkable purity, highlighting notes of blackcurrant pastille fruit. Blackcurrants, plums, bell peppers and eucalyptus on the nose introduce a flavorful palate of dense black fruit, paprika, dried cherry, cedar, a hint of herbs and leafy notes. Medium-bodied, enjoyable and easygoing. Lively acidity complements the wine, while showing refined, nicely integrated tannins that are the hallmark of the Glass Collection wines.

The 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were destemmed and lightly crushed into stainless steel tanks. The fermentation was allowed to start naturally, and two pump-overs were conducted daily to ensure optimal extraction. The wine was left on skins for 2-3 weeks after fermentation and then gently pressed. Matured in 300L French oak barrels for 12 months.

Located on the southern slopes of the Simonsberg, Glenelly is owned by May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, Bordeaux doyenne and former owner of Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. Struck by the tremendous potential of South Africa's terroir and the beauty of the country, Mme de Lencquesaing decided to embark on a French adventure on African soil. She purchased Glenelly in 2003, and subsequently planted 66 of the property's 128 hectares to vineyards. The first estate-grown fruit came on line in 2007, and Glenelly's state-of-the-art winery building was completed in 2009. The wines are fermented naturally and made with as little intervention as possible, seeking to achieve the perfect balance of French style and South African terroir.

Inspired by antique glasses from May de Lencquesaing’s private collection, Glenelly’s "Glass Collection" celebrates the parallels between the art of making wine and the art of making glass. Both glass and fine wine come from poor soil, and just as the glassblower breathes life into glass, the winemaker’s love gives life to wine.