Paul WallaceBlack Dog Elgin Malbec 2016 (R148,16 per bottle, 6 Bottles)

Paul and Nicky Wallace purchased their 25-hectare farm in September 2003 and immediately set out to create their own little piece of heaven. Paul is a viticultural consultant and here, at last, he could practise what he has advised and encouraged other farmers to do in their vineyards. It has long been Paul's belief that the cool-climate region of Elgin, previously best known for its apples and pears, is one of the most exciting developing wine regions within the South African wine industry and indeed internationally.

Winemaking and product specifics:

• Winemaking: Wine of Origin Elgin Harvest Date 10th – 16th March 2016
• Analysis: Alcohol 12.72% (13.0% on label)
• Residual Sugar 1.10 g/l
• pH 3.47 TA 5.5 g/l

Winemaking and Tasting Notes:

The 2016 Paul Wallace Black Dog Malbec is the eighth vintage made from grapes produced on our own farm, Wallovale Vineyards. It is named after Paul’s beefy black shadow, our cross Labrador/Rottweiler, named Jake. The Malbec grape is also known as the Black Grape and it is this characteristic that has been incorporated into the name. 2016 was a fine vintage with no untoward heat spikes, bouts of rain or unfavourable weather conditions. The three individual blocks that comprise our Malbec plantings each have their own unique profile due to different row direction and trellis systems.

Each block was harvested separately and only when it was felt that the grapes were at optimal ripeness. Delivered in pristine condition to the cellar, the grapes were tipped from their lug boxes into the destalker. Once in the open fermenter, they were inoculated with WE372 yeast. The wine received three punch downs per day, was pressed after two weeks on the skins and taken almost immediately to barrel. Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel. The wine spent approximately 19 months in 225 lit French oak. A splash of Merlot has contributed to a gentle, rounded finish.

Bottling date: 2nd October 2017. Much like the dog the wine is dark in colour, well-muscled intense and full of character. The Black Dog Malbec displays a deep velvet red core with some bright garnet on the rim. An intriguing somewhat exotic nose conjures up hints of blueberries, blackberries, brambles, juicy red plums and savoury rhubarb. The entry onto the palate is a satisfying fruit-filled mouthful of both red and black fruits linked by a thread of spice and held together with silky tannins.

The Black Dog Malbec is a truly memorable wine which reflects the natural elegance we have come to expect from Elgin wines. The ideal accompaniment to red meat dishes, beef steak, game or slow-roasted lamb or should it take your fancy, sit in front of a fire, sip slowly and dip into a bowl of pistachio nuts or biltong.

Awards: •Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show 2018 Bronze • IWSC 2018 Silver