The Protea Range
White
Protea Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Wine of Origin: WESTERN CAPE
MAKING THE WINE
The grapes are whole bunch hand sorted and fermented in stainless steel tanks.TASTING NOTE
Bold tropical fig and gooseberry aromas with floral, grassy note underneath.
Glavelly flint entry onto the palate with a zesty lime cordial and white pepper bite. Crisp and fresh with typically lively acidity. Good lenght of flavour on a lean - but fruited - frame.
Protea Chenin Blanc 2010
Wine of Origin: COASTAL
MAKING THE WINE
The grapes are whole bunch hand sorted and fermented in stainless steel tanks. A very small proportion is aged in old large French oak barrels for approximately 8 monthsTASTING NOTE
Delicate orange blossom fragrance with honey/glucose and ripe melon too. Crisp entry, melon and tropical fruit. Honeyed barleysugar notes on mid and back palate. Leaves an impression of sweetness – but it's dry. Rounded with good texture and mouthfeel. Clean long finish.
Protea Chardonnay 2009
Wine of Origin: WESTERN CAPE
MAKING THE WINE
The grapes are whole bunch hand sorted and fermented in stainless steel tanks. A proportion of the wines is matured in French oak barrels for 8 months, with very little new woodTASTING NOTE
Lively aromas of Golden delicious apple and vanilla wafer with a light floral edge.
A rich, rounded mouthful, it shows similar spicy baked apple (tarte tatin) and citrus souffle on a creamy, buttery base. The balance between fruit and acid is restrained yet lively and fresh. There's an undertone of leesy orange marmalade adding complexity. It finishes clean and dry with a lingering citrus aftertaste.
Red
Protea Merlot 2009
Wine of Origin: WESTERN CAPE
MAKING THE WINE
The grapes are hand sorted. Fermentation takes place in large French oak tanks. Cold maceration for 2-4 days. Barrel maturation in 2nd and 3rd fill French oak for 12 monthsTASTING NOTE
Mulberry, sour cherry and a touch of smoky cocoa on the nose.
The palate offers spicy red fruit – plums and cinnamon. Smooth textured with a light tannic grip, there's some nutty, earthy concentration to the wine. The acid is light and fresh, balancing the fruit well and offering refreshment. Long, rich finish.
Protea Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Wine of Origin: COASTAL
MAKING THE WINE
The grapes are hand sorted. Fermentation takes place in large French oak tanks. Cold maceration for 2-4 days. Barrel maturation in 2nd and 3rd fill French oak for 12 monthsTASTING NOTE
Lovely upfront cassis and blueberry fruit with leather,
spice and cherry tobacco whiffs.
Juicy and appealing, there's ample red and black fruit on offer with a light peppery nuance too. Plush textured and soft, but with a light tannin grip and firm structure. Balance provided by well integrated oak and some dark, earthy spice depth. Eminently drinkable!
Protea Shiraz 2009
Wine of Origin: WESTERN CAPE
MAKING THE WINE
The grapes are hand sorted. Fermentation takes place in large French oak tanks. Cold maceration for 2-4 days. Barrel maturation in 2nd and 3rd fill French oak for 12 monthsTASTING NOTE
Bold cherry, berry, plum fruit aromas with a hint of white pepper underneath.
The fruits are replicated on the palate – succulent plum, cherry and berries. Ripe, sweet and luscious with spicy top notes this is a soft, appealing and immediately accessible wine. Rounded on the palate it has a lengthy fruited aftertaste
Protea Reserve 2009
Wine of Origin: COASTAL
MAKING THE WINE
50% Shiraz, 46% Mourvedre, 4% Viognier
TASTING NOTE
Alluring plum nutmeg spice with a touch of liquorice and the faintest hint/whiff of perfume.
Lovely plum spice and blueberry on the entry. Cinnamon too. Spicy vibrance on midpalate. Plush texture. Long fruited, spicy finish.
Juicy throughout with a twist of white pepper. Structured but gentle – velvety.
A collection of seven wines which recognises the flower species - the Protea - so distinctive of the Cape Floristic region, the World's smallest yet richest floristic region. The protea family was named for the shape-changing Greek god Proteus - because of the diversity of its many expressions. The wines are made in a lighter, more accessible style for earlier enjoyment.
