La Motte, Hanneli R, Franschhoek, South Africa, 2009

La Motte’s rare flagship red is only made in the best vintages. Just 3000 bottles were made in 2009 from an unusual but exciting blend of Syrah (53%) Grenache (25%), Carignan (8%), Cinsault (8%) and Merlot (6%). Above all, this wine is built to last having spent 36 months maturing in barrel (again 300L) and a further two years in bottle before it is released. It is certainly worth the wait as this is just beginning to enter its drinking window. Already, the fleshy tannins have softened and there’s a sophisticated medicinal-herbal edge to the wine alongside a rich compote of blackberry fruit, meat and spicy liquorice. This is a long, complex multi-faceted wine to savour and relish.