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Glenelly Estate Reserve Red 2018

Glenelly Estate Reserve Red 2018

HK$200
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Rich Cassis, Sandalwood Spice, Textural Power, and Simonsberg Elegance

Discover the textural power of Stellenbosch with Glenelly’s Estate Reserve Red. Forged during the dramatic Cape drought of 2018, this robust, Syrah-spiced Bordeaux blend balances intense sun-ripened concentration with refreshing natural acidity. Expect a plush, opulent core of cassis and mulberry, woven with sandalwood, mocha, and tobacco. It is a hearty, deeply complex wine that delivers massive dimension and long-term aging potential.
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Style Profile at a Glance

Attribute Profile Scale
Body Full-Bodied, Opulent & Textural ●●●●●
Sweetness Bone Dry (~2.4 g/L RS) ●●●●●
Tannins Firm, Powerful & Structured ●●●●●
Acidity Fresh, Bright & Balancing ●●●●●
Oak Prominent but Integrated (18 mos in 300L French oak) ●●●●●

Critical Recognition

Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) 92 pts
  • 92 Points - Wine Advocate: This is a wine of abundant dimension and power that we liken to a rugby player during our tasting at the winery. The Glenelly 2018 Stellenbosch Estate Reserve is a hearty blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 14% Syrah, 11% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot. The years 2015 to 2018 saw terrible drought, and this wine is part of that dramatic phenomenon. This was not the hottest of the vintages in that window, 2016 was much hotter and drier, but 2018 results in opulent, rich and very plush fruit nonetheless. You feel that textural power, and the wine reveals plenty of dark fruit flavors and savory spice. New oak reaches 30% to 40% in this wine. The Reserve shows an immediate character and opens quickly to a broad mid-palate. I suggest a near or medium-term drinking window for this bottle.

Highlights

  • Blend: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 14% Syrah, 11% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot sourced from the Simonsberg slopes of Stellenbosch.
  • Terroir & Vintage: Harvested during the final year of the dramatic 2015-2018 Cape drought. Despite 20% below-average rainfall, cool ripening nights preserved freshness alongside deep fruit concentration.
  • Winemaking: Hand-picked, destemmed, and lightly crushed into stainless steel. Underwent a 3-day cold soak followed by natural fermentation with three daily pump-overs, and extended skin contact for 2-3 weeks.
  • Elevage: Matured for 18 months in 300L French oak barrels, utilizing 30% to 40% new oak to structure and polish the wine's immense textural power.

Tasting Notes

Pouring a deep ruby hue, this robust blend bursts with intense aromas of cassis, mulberry, and cedar, underscored by savory tobacco and sandalwood. On the palate, it exhibits immense textural power and a broad, plush mid-palate laden with dark fruit, mocha, and Christmas cake spice. Despite its opulent concentration and 14.7% ABV, fresh, fruity acidity and a firm tannic structure drive the wine to a clean, highly persistent, and dry finish.

Serving Suggestion

  • Temperature: Serve at 60-64°F (16-18°C) in a large Bordeaux glass to allow the complex spice notes to unfurl.
  • Decanting: Decant for 1 to 2 hours. Pair with robust dishes like grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or mature hard cheeses. Suitable for near to medium-term drinking.

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