This weeks wine of the week by Michael Olivier is a La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon 2007. Slightly more pricey than usual, but well worth it!

The La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 is a classic example of a typical South
African Cabernet Sauvignon and one of the earliest reds of stature to be
bottled in the Franschhoek Valley. This vintage has just been blended and
recently bottled after spending 16 months of maturation period in 225-litre
French oak barrels.

The price: I think for an über-premium red from a premier estate ­ a
reasonable R107 per 750ml bottle.

First Impression: Deep dark fruit, violets on the nose.

The Story: La Motte is owned by Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg and managed by
her husband Hein Koegelenberg. Hanneli, who is an internationally known
mezzo soprano, and Hein have assembled a dedicated team which oversees both
the viticultural and oenological activities on the Franschhoek estate as
well as La Motte¹s Nabot near Bot River where grapes are grown organically
for the La Motte Pierneef range. Edmund Terblanche is the winemaker at La
Motte, talented humble man.

The Taste: dark ruby in colour and with what the wine anoraks call a big
extract [weak tea low extract versus strong tea big extract] it has weight
in the mouth with soft tannins. Lovely fleshy sappy blackcurrants and plums
and whiffs of violets. With a restrained and elegant soft ending.

Michael says: La Motte is famous for its monthly classical concerts which
feature international and local artists. The wine estate’s tasting room is a
well-known destination for visitors to the valley and offers a variety of
wines to taste as well as guidance on food pairings

Did You Know? La Motte has a strong commitment to historic and cultural
preservation, as well as the active upliftment of its workers and their
families. With its picturesque setting, historic buildings and rural
atmosphere, La Motte is an enchanting destination for visitors to the
winelands of the Cape.

The small print: The wine is a blend of grapes from the Walker Bay region
(25%), Paarl (20%), Darling (20%), Stellenbosch (20%), and Wellington (15%)
regions.

It’s probably a good idea to get up and get yourself a bottle now, just in time for your Christmas meal :)

You can read more about wines, foods and places to stay on Michaels website, alternatively, have a read of some over wine reviews.

Don’t forget to buy your loved one or a friend who loves wine a copy of Michael’s new book, The People’s Guide for just R99.00!