Post House Penny Black 750ml

Round with a long and lingering finish. Notes of pepper and fynbos.

An elegant wine, with firm but supple tannins. Dark, inky-black colour with an initial nose of floral petals, also of fynbos (South African heath), blackcurrant, fruitcake, white pepper and spice. The name Penny Black refers to the first stamp ever printed, as well as to the dark, inky-black colour of the wine. The stamp featured Queen Victoria and had the value of 1 penny. Alcohol: 14.6 %.

Post House Cellars derives its name from the small post office which used to serve the local missionary community of Raithby, and which is now the winery office and residence. The farm was bought by the Gebers family in 1981 in the picturesque area between the towns of Somerset West and Stellenbosch, and is situated at the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain. On a clear day Cape Point and False Bay are visible from the winery. This area is one of the preeminent wine regions in South Africa. Situated 7km from the False Bay coast a breach in the coastal ridge channels the south and south west winds towards the vineyards. These are generally cool breezes; they help moderate summer temperatures. The property covers a total of 71 hectares of which 45 hectares falls under vineyard. As of 2004 the vineyard comprises of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.

The grapes were fermented separately, using natural yeasts from the vineyard, in open stainless steel tanks up to a maximum of 30°C. The skins were pushed down 4-8 times during peak fermentation. Malolactic fermentation took place in the barrel where the wine had minimal handling. Use was made of traditional gravity flow and no mechanical pumps were used in the winemaking process. The wines were racked 4 times over a 20-month period. There was no filtration and the sulphur levels were kept to a minimum.

Tasting Note

On the nose, this wine is floral with zippy blackcurrant fruit, black pepper and pear. Full bodied with firm tannins on the palate and a compelx, layered finish.