Bloedklip Malbec

Ox-tail potjie, a well-aged sirloin or if you prefer seafood, chill the wine a bit and enjoy with an Atlantic herring prepared unfilleted over wood-fire coals.

The valley in which Doolhof lies is blessed with unique and varied terroirs. The microclimates, growing conditions and soil types make it ideal for growing wine grapes. The Estate lies between Bain’s Kloof and the Groenberg Mountain Range. The result is soils that are finer, more balanced and deeper than in the surrounding countryside with clay content evenly distributed. A combination of Malmesbury shale, homogenic Glenrosa and Clovelly soils ensure that the roots are able to descend to four metres or beyond. Roughly 40 of the farm’s 380 hectares are planted to vine. Soils, growing conditions and microclimates vary considerably across this large expanse (which reaches up into Bain’s Kloof), and each grape varietal is faithfully wedded to its ideal terroir. Two white varietals, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, are grown, with a substantial number of reds. They include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, Pinotage and Shiraz. The white varietals are planted on the eastern slopes of the Groenberg, which allow the grapes cooler days and less direct sunlight. The late sunrise and early sunset also allow for a longer ripening process, enhancing the elegance of the award winning wines.

The grapes for this wine are from the same vineyard as South Africa's most awarded Malbec and in fact, a three-barrel selection of new French oak 300L barrels from our Single Vineyard Malbec 2020. Grown on some of the best Hutton and Clovelly soils and parcels of shale base pockets. Picking happens when phenolic ripeness meets fresh flavours in the grapes to maintain a delicate balance and preserves freshness.

The wine is racked after 12 months of ageing, then blended back into the same three barrels for a further 6 months. The extended period of ageing gives time for more concentration and aroma development as well as tannin integration to take place. which results in this special bottling.

Fermentation happens in stainless steel tanks with a gentle pump over two to three times daily after which pressing and malolactic fermentation also occurs in stainless steel.