Lubanzi Rhone Blend 2021, Coastal Region, South Africa

2021 vintage – 75% Shiraz, 18% Grenache, 7% Mourvedre. Soil/Climate: Decomposed granite & shale, mix of climate conditions. Fermentation: Small batch, 90% natural winemaking: 50% MLF, Foudres aging, filtered, unfined, vegan. Tasting Notes: “An old-school Rhone blend with a contemporary style. Crafted from vineyards dotted throughout South Africa’s coastal region, this wine was created to offer complexity while simultaneously showcasing the red grape champion of South Africa, Shiraz. Hand harvested and made using little intervention in the cellar. More robust than previous vintages with noted blueberry, plum & black pepper character.” “We started in 2014, as two friends searching for an opportunity to make a difference in the world. In 2014, while living in South Africa as exchange students, we set off on a 20 hour bus ride along South Africa’s southern coast en route to the wild coast, a remote part of the country – famously the birthplace of Nelson Mandela – for a week long backpacking expedition. On our second day, a wandering dog the locals called ‘Lubanzi’ began following us on our adventure. He stuck with us throughout our journey – for 6 days & 100 miles – until he disappeared in the middle of the night before our final morning. There’s some poetic justice in that.” – Charlie Brain & Walker Brown, Co-Founders