Warwick Blue Lady 2018

Warwick The Blue Lady 2018

Awards/Evaluation

2017VT
Platter 2021: 96 points/5 stars
Wine Spectator 2021: 91 points
Tim Atkin 2020: 95 points

Product Features

top range. The first single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon produced in 1984 at Warwick, and for Warwick, Cabernet Sauvignon is a variety that can be called the company's DNA. Blue labels are rare for red wines, but in South Africa, "Blue Label Wine = Warwick Cabernet Sauvignon" is famous and successful in marketing.

Maker comment

Aromas of dark berries, cassis and dried herbs. A wonderful reddish-purple color, the powerful tannins that characterize 2018 yield concentrated, rich fruit flavors. Thick full body. A straight and bold wine, but smooth. Rich dark berry fruit flavors lead to oak and cassis liqueur. Aftertaste is long. It's elegantly put together, and the freshness invites another drink. Powerful and rich finish typical of Stellenbosch Simmonsburg Cabernet. It also has aging potential. A classy wine suitable for Warwick's top range.

food pairing

Beef, mutton, aged meat, charcoal grilled vegetables and more.

Country of origin/production area

south africa stellenbosch

vintage

2018

*Depending on stock availability, the vintage of the wine to be shipped may differ from the description. If you are interested in vintage, please contact us before ordering.

type

red full body

Main varieties

cabernet sauvignon

Alcohol degree

14.50%

capacity

750ml

Producer information

Warwick is one of South Africa's leading boutique wineries in the Stellenbosch region. Dating back to 1771, the farm has a long history.
In 1964, former owners Stan and Norma Ratcliffe purchased Warwick, a former fruit farm. Viticulture started in 1981 with a focus on classic Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon).
Norma Ratcliffe's dedication to winemaking made her one of the first female Cape winemakers. Warwick's "First Lady" series is a tribute to her achievements.
The first release on the Warwick label was in 1984. Since then, it has won many awards both at home and abroad, and has grown into one of South Africa's leading brands and established its position.
The winery is located at an altitude of 240-360m in the hills of the Simmonsberg Mountains, called the Red Wine Zone of Stellenbosch. This high position allows cool southeasterly winds to blow the vineyards in spring and summer.
Warwick has a variety of slopes and different clay-rich soil types that produce unique terroirs and complex, characterful wines. The main soil types are granitic oak leaf and tukul. The vineyard has cool east facing, south east facing, south facing and slightly warmer west facing slopes. One of the top Cabernet Francs representing South Africa is produced here in Warwick, and its fields are on the south and southwest slopes.
One of the things we take care in growing is that irrigation is kept to a minimum to express the unique terroir of this farm.
Over the last ten years, we have also recognized the importance of biodiversity and strived to maintain a balance between nature and winemaking.
Our soils have a high clay content so the need for irrigation is very low and some fields require no irrigation at all.
Cover crops, such as legumes and radishes, planted in the winter months improve soil health, organic matter and microbial activity, and reduce the need for herbicides. As a result, many earthworms live in the soil.
And when it comes to pest control, we rely on natural predators. Everything is cultivated and managed with respect for biodiversity. As a result, the problem of snails, weevils and other harmful insects is cleared.
Warwick's philosophy is to never compromise on quality. We aim to perform at the highest level in all that we do. And the wine we aim for is elegance. It is a slightly modest classic style to express it.

overview

●Cap: Cork ●Cultivation: Harvested from 3 excellent blocks of the estate ●Manufacturing: Destemming, 36 days of skin contact in stainless steel tanks. 3-4 pumpovers a day during that time. After pressing, malolactic fermentation takes place partly in tanks and partly in oak barrels. Aged 27 months in French oak (36% new, 39% 2nd year, 25% 3rd year). Select and blend only the best barrels.
Aging potential: 7-10 years

#South African wine