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Wine Tasting Adventure

2023 Excelsior, Robertson Shiraz - Liberty

£9.99 GBP
£9.99 GBP

The De Wet family has owned Excelsior Estate, in the Western Cape town of Robertson, since 1859. Though the estate has had various incarnations, including ostrich farming and racehorse rearing, it has always been used for vine growing. Freddie De Wet and his sons Peter and Jacques now run the 220-hectare estate focused on the ‘big five’ varieties, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Robertson is located 100 kilometres east of Cape Town, where, although the climate is hotter, it is moderated by sea breezes and the Breede River. The diurnal temperature differences allow for slow ripening and retention of the primary fruit aromatics and bright acidity.

Excelsior is unique for such a large estate, as all the grapes are hand-harvested, providing many jobs for the local community. As a result, they have the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association’s (WIETA) Fair Labour Practice seal and are also Integrity and Sustainability Certified by the Wine and Spirit Board. Both are voluntary accreditations that adhere to strict codes of conduct.

The Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for two months on its lees to give the wine a touch of richness. It is a classic South African Sauvignon Blanc, zesty with hints of passionfruit, grapefruit, and gooseberry.

The Merlot is supple and juicy, with notes of black plum and baking spice. 45% was aged in a combination of French and American oak for six months to give spice and structure. A proportion of the Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for nine months in French and American oak, enhancing its blackcurrant fruit, spice, and fine, firm tannins. Notes of blackberry, fruit cake and bright acidity define the Shiraz, 30% of which is aged in a combination of French and American oak for eight months. The Excelsior wines are vibrant and fruit-forward, making them approachable to drink with or without food.

For 60 years the Excelsior land was grazed by thoroughbred horses because of the limestone rich soils that contribute to bone strength. These soils have also been found to be highly beneficial to grape growing as the grapes display greater spice notes in reds and minerality in whites than is typically found in the Robertson region. The vines are trellised.

The 2023 vintage was a return to normality. The winter of 2022 was cold but dry, followed by a very dry and windy spring. This resulted in small but healthy berries. There were late summer rains, but the crop was harvested under ideal conditions. Overall, 2023 is regarded as an excellent vintage with purity of fruit.

Grapes were harvested by hand for greater quality control. The bunches were immediately destemmed but not crushed. Fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks for a period of seven days at temperatures between 28-32°C. Aerated racking was done twice daily to ensure soft tannins. The grapes were gently pressed in a bladder press, after which malolactic fermentation was completed in tank. 30% of the total wine was aged in a mixture of French and American oak for a period of eight months, while the remaining wine was aged in stainless-steel tanks.

On the nose, this wine has prominent aromas of dark cherry and sweet violet, with additional notes of pepper. The palate is soft and juicy, leading to a refreshing finish.