Charles Hopkins - De Grendel
Charles Hopkins - De Grendel
The Cape Winemakers Guild Online Protégé Auction
About the SessionBuying wine on this Auction is not merely an act of purchasing a product. By participating in this Auction, you will be contributing towards a programme that nurtures young talent and enriches lives of individuals that ordinarily would not have had the opportunity. You will also be supporting the future of the South African wine industry.
LOT 611
Charles Hopkins - De Grendel
About this Item
Born in the windswept vineyards of Elim, this Shiraz captures a true sense of place, nurtured with care from vine to bottle. Its character is defined by refined rotundone nuances, unfolding in subtle layers of black pepper spice.
The fruit is hand-harvested in the cool early-morning hours to preserve its freshness and character before being carefully transported to De Grendel. There, 30% undergoes whole-bunch fermentation in open stainless-steel tanks. With a meticulous pneumatic punch-down performed four times daily, the wine develops depth, structure, and refined tannins while retaining its natural elegance. The wine is then matured for 13 months in second and third-fill French oak barrels, allowing its terroir-driven nuances to evolve and integrate, resulting in a poised, harmonious expression with refined complexity.
On the nose, this Shiraz reveals inviting aromas of maraschino cherry, violet, and ripe blackberry. The palate opens with a soft, sweet fruit entry, unfolding into layers of luscious red plum and balanced by smooth, chocolatey tannins. A lingering finish of mulberry and gentle spice leaves a lasting impression of elegance and finesse. These wines capture both the purity of its origin and the craftsmanship behind its creation, perfect for those seeking a refined yet expressive Shiraz.
These wines are packed in wooden boxes.