400 years in pursuit of perfection

returned to new 300-litre French oak barrels for 16 months and the final blend spent a further six months in the oak before being bottled. Then the wine spent two years in the bottle to develop complexity and structure.

This limited edition – only 4 500 bottles were produced – is a blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot.

Charles Marais 2013 is aromatic with dark fruit and savoury notes on the nose and is inky plum in colour.

Luscious and full-bodied in flavour, the wine treats the palate to layers of ripe red and black fruit, sweet vanilla and spice. Bester recommends leaving it for 10 years to mature.

If you’re planning an exclusive dinner party or special event, there’s no doubt your guests will be impressed with this exclusive, limited edition blend.

The Charles Marais will pair well with many meat dishes, especially a roast rack of lamb.

Most of the bottles are exported to Europe, but some are available at R1 050 each through www.vinoteque. co.za