Description

“A blend of 32% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon raised for 15 months in 300-liter French oak, the 2006 Proprietary Red has a vivacious, lifted nose of blackberry, raspberry, bay leaf, white pepper and a touch of Provencal herbs. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry with fine, edgy tannins, ample freshness and great precision on the focused, cedar-tinged finish that is backward considering its age. The mineralite is very impressive from start to finish and this exquisite 2006 should age well over a decade. Drink 2012-2022. – 94 points, Wine Advocate – Martin Neal (August 2011)

Although I am not totally convinced that Bordeaux blends are a strong hand for South Africa, Morgenster proved that they can produce a sublime combination of Old World meets New World Cabernet/Merlot based wines. The 300-year old estate in Somerset West used to be part of Vergelegen. In 1992 Giulio Bertrand purchased the estate, and the first vines were planted the following year. Since 1999, the busiest man in Bordeaux, Pierre Lurton, has consulted for Morgenster and together with winemaker Henry Kotze they impart a tangible Bordeaux sensibility to the wine. Their classically styled Proprietary Red is one of South Africa’s most eligible wines for aging and so I completed two small verticals that proved their wines can repay cellaring over a decade or more, commencing with their entry-level Lourens River Valley.”