Description

The Mentors Perold 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: This wine is a blend of varieties from regions and sites that have
consistently produced wines of outstanding quality and style. In making The
Mentors Perold we set out to produce a wine that over time will be recognized as
the ultra-premium benchmark in South Africa. Only the best varieties, regions
and sites are therefore considered.
Our winemaking focuses on balanced structure, concentration and finesse. We
utilize a combination of whole-berry fermentation and gentle pump-overs to
ensure every bit of flavour is captured, with Pinotage taking priority.
For this specific wine, the bunches were handpicked and sorted to ensure only
the best of each variety went into the blend. After fermentation, the most
promising wines of each cultivar were chosen to mature further in barrel. After 12
months, the best wines were singled out and aged for another six months. This
wine is truly about selecting the best-of-the-best.

MATURATION: The wine was matured for 18 months in first-fill French oak barrels.

WINE DESCRIPTION: This elegant and distinguished Cape Blend shows layers of
fruitcake, anise and cranberry with lifted perfume, floral and marzipan aromas,
and a touch of cigar box and pencil shavings. On the palate the structure is
restrained and focused yet supple with sweet textured tannins and a finish of
lingering intensity.

SERVING SUGGESTION: This wine can be savoured on its own or paired with
hearty winter dishes such as oxtail and lamb shank.

CELLARING POTENTIAL: Enjoy now or cellar for eight to ten years from vintage