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.