Elpidios, Swartland, 2019
A blend of 38% Grenache Noir, 36% Syrah, 10% Pinotage, 9% Carignan and 7% Cinsault. One Syrah component aged in concrete and this year some concrete was introduced to the Grenache too. The rest of the components are vinified and aged in foudre and used 500L barrels. Silky, bilberry and damson fruits – red fruit focused with some spice and herbal undertones. Wild strawberry. A real shape shifter, the Elpidios evolves and offers up new nuances and faces with time in the glass. Sumptuous but not rich, silky but with a bright core. Super refined. Perhaps the cuvee that has seen the most dramatic improvement over the past few years.
critic reviews
The 2019 Elpidios presents a beautifully defined nose of Bing cherry, boysenberry and raspberry preserve, touches of sous-bois and Provençal herbs developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied, with the Grenache firmly in the driving seat (38% of the blend), delivering touches of clove and white pepper and a persistent, caressing, fleshy finish that lingers. Excellent.