Black Elephant Vintners is a brilliant small company formed only a few years ago by Kevin Swart ("black") and Raymond Ndlovu ("elephant"), along with winemaker Jacques Wentzel, promoting the fruit of the sublime Franschhoek valley. This co-fermented red blend is hand-picked from five vineyards around the valley, and named for one of founder Kevin's two sons. It's naturally fermented, around one-fifth whole-bunch, no chemical additives and very little added sulphur. Wine goes through an old basket press before two years' maturation in a mixture of barrel sizes. It's intensely dark, with bright fruit (red cherries, raspberries), dried herbs and black pepper, some liquorice and hints of fynbos. Serve a little chilled as the ultimate braai wine. The guys at Black Elephant recommend decanting in its first five years.
 

 

Franschhoek | SOUTH AFRICA

Syrah 45% | Carignan 21% | Mourvèdre 20% | Grenache 9% | Petite Sirah 5%