With the Franschhoek Bastille Festival and the accompanying French celebrations back after a two-year absence, the timing is perfect for the release of La Motte’s 2019 Bordeaux-inspired Millennium.
The 2019 La Motte Millennium consists of 48% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot – four of the six varieties (the other being Cabernet Sauvignon and very rarely Carménère) traditionally blended in France’s famous Bordeaux wine region.
The classic blend of predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Franc is prominent in some of the world’s most iconic wines and in the 2019 La Motte Millennium they offer aromatic dark berries and plum with nuances of fruit cake and toffee providing subtle sweetness. The Malbec and Petit Verdot contribute intensity in colour, hints of spice as well as complexity and depth to the blend. Barrel-derived spice and charred oak flavours are well integrated for a medium-bodied wine with soft, but lively tannins and a lingering berry aftertaste.
A variety of soil types and clones are represented as the grapes originate from Stellenbosch, Wellington and Walker Bay. The grapes of each area contribute distinctive flavour and structure to the blend. The estate’s Winemaking team produces this stalwart with careful consideration to vintage influences, adapting the blend and maturation to allow the expected smooth, yet intricate character of this wine to shine with every new release.
With a cold and wet 2018 winter and a relatively cool summer and small harvest, quality expectations were high. Although uneven bunch development impeded the harvest, analyses were good. After fermentation, the different components for the blend were matured separately in old 300-litre French oak barrels before blending and filtration. The wine was bottled on the estate in November 2020 with 29 500 x 6 bottle cases released mid-2022.
Similar to its French cousins, the 2019 La Motte Millennium is a classic red blend that promises to mature beautifully. It is a trusted choice, not only for its consistent quality, but also its elegance, accessibility and versatile food pairing ability. While the 2019 La Motte Millennium responds very well to red meat and roasts of all kinds, it’s accommodating structure also allows for mild curried and hard cheese. It is exceptional with creamy sauces and the earthiness of mushrooms.
