Simonsig Frans Malan 2003

A Cape classic, made in honor of a pioneer - last bottle

Tasting Notes

Established by the late Frans Malan in 1951, Simonsig is one of the leading fine wine producers in South Africa. Located at the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain, Simonsig has 210 hectares of vines in production, producing an extensive range of formidable red, white and sparkling wines. Frans Malan was one of the great innovators of the South African wine industry. In the 1970’s he produced the first Riesling in the country, as well as the first bottle fermented sparkling wine, the Methode Cap Classique, Kaapse Vonkel. In addition, he was instrumental in starting the famous Stellenbosch Wine Route. In 1991, Simonsig experimented with a Pinotage/ Cabernet blend for the Cape Independent Winemakers Guild. The experiment was so successful that it was decided to make this unique blend a limited release wine. The 2003 Frans Malan is a blend of equal parts of Pinotage and Cabernet with 10% Merlot rounding out the blend; this spent 16 months in a combo of American and French oak, of which 80% was new. A substantial wine upon release, this with some bottle age behind it is right now in a perfect spot and should drink nicely over the next couple of years. The nose offers up an array of complex aromatics that have mellowed with time, with notes of black berry fruit, dark plums, spices and a subtle hint of cedar and licorice. The palate is smooth, fleshy, supple and seamless; the tannins have meshed nicely into the sweet dark fruits with some of the upfront spice notes of the nose along with a touch of cedar surfacing on the finish. There is still engaging freshness with good acidity carrying the still vibrant, spice toned fruit to an impressive finish.

Price

SKU

Varietal

$27.99

9672

Red Blend