Description

The Mentors Orchestra 2020

VINTAGE CONDITIONS: The 2020 vintage was characterized by generally
favourable conditions, improved winter rainfall preceding the growing season
and generally mild conditions. This resulted in improved crops in particular in the
coastal areas or Swartland, Wellington, Paarl and Stellenbosch. The vintage
period was lower in disease pressure than the 2019 vintage but some rainfall
during vintage did require careful management. The spring period was
unusually warm prompting early bud break and accelerated early growth while
the summer through vintage was mild in terms of temperature with fewer peaks
or periods of high temperature. This resulted in an early vintage start and a
compressed February finishing earlier than in recent years. Wines show great
retention of freshness and flavour with good tannin development and aging
potential. We are hugely excited about the quality of the 2020 Vintage.

WINEMAKING: Grape bunches were hand-picked and sorted in the KWV The
Mentors cellar, which ensured only the best of each variety went into the blend.
After fermentation, the most promising wines were chosen to continue
maturation in barrel. After 12 months, again the finest were selected to mature
for a further six months before blending. This wine is truly about selecting the
best of the best of each variety.

MATURATION: The wine matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, 70% of
which were first-fill.

WINE DESCRIPTION: This modern, multi-layered, and Bordeaux-style blend
shows aromas of blackcurrants, plums, and black pepper with nuances of pencil
shavings and wild fennel. On the palate, the intense concentration is prompted
by a firm tannin structure and layers of dark berry fruit with excellent
follow-through. As with a fine orchestra, this blend showcases the unique
individual attributes of the different varietals, but together delivers a complexity
beyond the sum of the components.

SERVING SUGGESTION: The wine can be enjoyed on its own or paired with
braised lamb shoulder or filet mignon.

CELLARING POTENTIAL: The wine can be opened now or cellared for up to eight
years.