Anthonij Rupert OPTIMA 2019
OPTIMA pays homage to the late Anthonij Rupert, whose dream it was to make a Cape wine which could compete with the finest in the world. L'Ormarins, where the wines are made and bottled, is a 17th Century Huguenot farm. The farm carries Anthonij's legacy and continues with his vision for future generations. OPTIMA is a carefully selected blend of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Cabernet Franc (32%), Merlot (30%) and Petit Verdot (2%) grapes. The wines were made and aged separately for 20 months in 225L French oak barrels (30% new oak) before being blended and bottled. Opulent but genteel and tempting violet-tinged soft black fruit abundance on the nose. The palate is all about texture: silky, velvety, smooth and simultaneously plush. Ripe plums, hedgerow fruit, cocoa, cedar and spice, cigar box flavours makes for an enveloping mouthful. Complex, elegant and beautifully integrated, the oak is seamlessly balanced with the fruit. Lingering and harmonious with not a single element out of place.
