Dapper Giulio Bertrand was recently on hand to launch the second vintage of Morgenster’s estate wine, the Morgenster 2001. At an elegant vineyard function that began at the striking tasting room, Bertrand, described to the assembled wine trade and commentators how Morgenster were well on track to deliver on their promises to consistently produce the best wine and olive oil in the country. Relating how the 2000 vintage of the Morgenster was sold out within five months, he happily announced the bigger 2001 vintage ‘even better than the excellent 2000’The winemaker, Marius Lategan, described the 2001 vintage as the fourth warm vintage in a row, and one that was particularly favourable to Merlot which makes up 45% of the current blend, though no variety dominates the harmonious wine that primarily ‘expresses the place it was made’. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc make up the rest of the blend. Eminent French winemaker and consultant, Pierre Lurton of Château Cheval Blanc, praised the wine for its ‘excellent quality fruit and elegant, silky tannins,’ playfully referring to the ‘cashmere tannins’. Lurton mentioned how proud he was to be a part of the collaboration, calling his yearly visit ‘a family appointment’. After this introduction to the estate wine and a presentation of the first magnum of the inaugural 2000 Morgenster to Giulio Bertrand, the party moved down to the magnificent manor house to enjoy lunch in the historic dining room – where Morgenster 2001 proved to be an excellent match. Issued by: Cowley Nel & AssociatesEmail: nicola@cowleynel.co.za