This sublime dessert wine’s 5th consecutive Platter 5-star rating just announced in London at Cape Wine Europe, is a fitting climax of the 2011 wine awards season for Fleur du Cap. Earlier this year, the 2010 Noble Late Harvest clinched a Double Gold at the Five Nations Challenge in Australia as well as a Grand d’Or on home turf at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards.
“The 2010 is an exceptional noble, displaying intense Botrytis notes together with beautiful dried peach and apricot flavours. Without precise vineyard selection by our viticulturist, Bennie Liebenberg, and the dedication of the entire white wine team, the production of this award winning dessert wine would not be possible year on year,” says Cellarmaster Andrea Freeborough.
Every Fleur du Cap Noble Late Harvest is the culmination of meticulous winemaking and exceptional skill that begins with the search for the ideal vineyard with the elusive botrytis character. Noble Late Harvest takes its name from the highly sought after “noble rot” or botrytis that is found under ideal conditions on ripe, almost raisin like grapes. In the hands of an intrepid winemaker, this precious find holds the promise of sweet nectar with a distinctive noble taste.
“Noble Late Harvest is one of the most challenging wines to produce and receiving such consistent praise makes it all worthwhile,” says winemaker Pieter Badenhorst.
Fleur du Cap Noble Late Harvest 2010 is a blend of Chenin Blanc (84%), Semillon (11%) and a dash of Muscat (5%). It displays typical dusty botrytis aromas with wonderful whiffs of honey, pineapple and subtle spicy notes.
The palate is well-balanced and rewards with delightful flavours of dried apricots and peaches. Great acidy tempers the sweetness and accentuates the fruit flavours leaving a wonderful aftertaste that beckons for more.
