Napier Winery: 'Red Medallion' 2015
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'Red Medallion' is a premium Bordeaux-style blend from Wellington in the hills above Paarl in the Western Cape, consisting of the noble Bordelais varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot’. It pairs particularly well with roast red meats, game in particular, so a kudu or Sprinkbok steak or South African boboetie would be apt.
'Red Medallion' has been quoted by the famous Bordeaux specialist Andrew Jefford (columnist for Decanter magazine) as 'The Latour of the Cape'. It is a complex and rich red wine of power, intensity and structure. With 90 hectares of vines, including prime parcels on red 'Tukulu' and ancient 'Vilafontes' soils, planted with diverse international grape varieties, the estate has an enviably broad palette of fruit from which to blend its wines.
| Style | Red Wine, Sec, Full-bodied, Non Sparkling |
|---|---|
| Wine Region | South Africa |
| Grape Variety (Cépage) | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot |
| Food & Wine Matching | Beef, Lamb, Mushrooms, Pheasant and Game, Pork |
| Viticulture | Non-Organic |
| Vintage | 2015 |
| Cellarage | Commendably, this red is aged prior to being released when it is ready to drink. However, winemaker Leon Bester asserts that it can be cellared for a further decade. |
| Vinification | After initial fermentation and maturation separately in stainless steel tanks, it is blended and matured for a further 18 to 24 months in 300-litre medium-toast French oak barrels (60% first fill, 40% 2nd & 3rd fill). |
| Alcohol By Volume (%) | 15 |
Napier Winery
Located at the foot of the Bains Kloof Pass below the towering Hawequa mountains in the Wellington region of the Western Cape, 'Napier Vineyards' are named after Sir George Napier, who was the governor of the Cape from 1837-1843.
Around 90 ha of vineyards across 3 farms at Napier, Ranzadale and Bassano near Wellington are planted with Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Colombard, Malbec, Merlot, Pinotage and Shiraz. Soils vary from the red fertile 'Tukulu', 'Vilafontes' (one of the oldest soils in the world), plus weathered 'Malmesbury slate' and are mostly north-facing, aiding ripening.
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