Monday, 29 November, 2004
Cowley Nel & Associates
Conspirare, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Cabernet Franc (33%) and Merlot (17%) has been awarded 4 Stars in the latest Platter Wine Guide, an outstanding achievement for a maiden vintage.
Named after the Latin word for 'breathing together' which was used on one of Lesley-Rae's albums, Conspirare reflects all the elements of making a good wine: the soil, the rain, the slopes, the wind, the aspect, the winemaker and the people working the vineyards. Says Dowling: "I always enjoyed drinking red wine, and since I was a wine grape producer and had a few winemaking friends, I thought I'd like to try and make my own. I have always been fascinated by the whole transformation of grapes turning into wine, and once I thought I understood the process, I decided I'd make a bit more than I could consume myself! It was never planned to be a commercial venture, but more of a hobby."
Conspirare is grown on Henry and Lesley Rae's farm, Fransmanskloof, on the cool South-facing slopes in the Lynedoch area. Henry worked side-by-side in the cellar with his friend Eben Sadie, who was a great inspiration "I liked the quality of the wine he produced without the use of high-tech equipment, and of course, his incredible passion for winemaking. We each made our own wine and we shared equipment, but obviously I learnt an enormous amount from him. The softest handling of the wine was attempted at all times: buckets rather than pumps were used for transferring the wine - a bucket will never let you down!"
Conspirare 2002 is an elegant, confident and ripe-fruited blend, with hints of black-currant. Well-balanced soft tannins and gentle acidity assure drinking pleasure, but should develop 5 + years. Enjoy with red meat and game dishes.
Conspirare
021 855 0722
dowls@mweb.co.za
For further information
Contact Cowley Nel & Associates
+27 21 702 3436
bvworld@iafrica.com