Delaire Graff is one of the leading wine estates in South Africa and is situated on the top of the Helshoogte Pass in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation. It looks down on the Banghoek Valley, and the West and East facing sides of the majestic Simonsberg. This 2021 Botmaskop (see below) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc with a splash of Petit Verdot and Merlot. It is an opulent and polished blend with classic aromas of cassis and spice leading to a structured palate with liquorice and blackberry flavours and enveloped by fine, lingering tannins. Botmaskop 2021 has a recommended ageing potential of between 10 and 15 years. Over time, the wine develops in character, with beautiful tannins and rich aromas of autumn leaves and cedarwood. The namesake of this wine is the historic mountain peak upon which Delaire Graff Estate is situated. Originally named Bootmanskop, meaning ‘Boat Man’s Peak’, the picturesque Botmaskop mountain, with its expansive views over the Cape Peninsula and the Atlantic Ocean, served as the lookout point for the Huguenots who had settled in nearby Franschhoek. From this vantage point, sailing ships entering Table Bay harbour 50 kilometres to the west were easily seen.
