Lubanzi Rhone Blend 2018, Coastal Region, South Africa

2018 vintage – 42% Shiraz, 9% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 34% Cinsault, 3% Carignan. Soil/Climate: Decomposed granite & shale, mix of climate conditions. Fermentation: Small batch, 90% natural winemaking: 50% MLF, Foudres aging, filtered, unfined, vegan. Tasting Notes: “A complex blend of five different varietals, the wine is a lush, dark ruby color, indicating a serious, yet still vibrant wine. The nose suggests equal parts fruit, savour, & spice, eliciting thoughts of plum, liquorice & a touch of ground coffee. The palate reflects on this, showing dark fruits at first, before soon giving way to lighter red fruits, such as strawberry & raspberry, which carry to the end. it finishes with a touch of spice & raw earth. Throughout it is soft with a slight presence of tannins, which is quickly countered by an elevated acidity.”