Stormy Hope

Cape of storms, thy spectre fled,
See, the angel Hope, instead,
Lights from heaven upon thine head;           
an extract from "A Voyage Round the World " by  James Montgomery.

And so regales the history of the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias rounding Cape Point on the 12 March 1488, naming it the "Cape of Storms".
His King, John 11, deemed it poor advertising for a new land and wanted a name which would ring bright and so renaming it "Cape of Good Hope".
The allegorical figure of Hope being used on the first stamps of South Africa, so it was a combination of these names for our latest Reserve Petit Verdot – Stormy Hope.

*2018 Post House • Merry Widow Shiraz, 90+ Points (Reserve Shiraz still available)

The 2018 Merry Widow Shiraz begins with a dark core with purple highlights on the rim and heavy staining of tears. Offering juicy and smoky expressions, notes of smoked plum reduction, blackberry jus, hints of roasted coffee bean, black peppercorn, lavender and roasted herbs flutter out of the glass. Full-bodied, the wine offers a generous and robust structure with a lifted, black and blue-fruited frame. Even while the 15% alcohol wine is opulent, the tannin and acid structure remain in check as it achieves balance, giving a lasting flavor of chocolate-covered blueberries across the mid-palate. The wine ultimately concludes with a long, lingering finish that continues to evolve with persistence. It's a lovely wine that begs me back for a second sip. Well done!

*2019 Post House • Bulls Eye Cabernet Sauvignon, 90+ Points

Beginning with an opaque core, the 2019 Bulls Eye Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a soft touch of volatility before expressing elements of spicy black plum compote, Chambord, dusty black cherries, mocha, baked earth and sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, the wine is generous with flavours of black raspberry and crème de cassis. A soft, minty tone and elegant baking spices lift the mid-palate. A long, drawn-out finish evolves with purpose, ending with a firm, tannic edge. Just under 7,000 bottles were filled after aging for 24 months.

 *2019 Post House • Penny Black, 90 Points
    

Deep and juicy with tones of molasses and plums, the 2019 Penny Black is a blend of 33% Shiraz, 30% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 4% Chenin Blanc. The nose shows a generous red and black fruit core that blossoms with spiced blackberry reduction, potpourri, dried herbs and wilted lavender. Full-bodied, the palate is generous and juicy with notes of mocha, sweet baking spices and bitter dark chocolate. A growing tannic edge grasps the palate and remains constant through the bold, lingering finish that ends with a drying and elevated alcohol sensation. Just under 9,000 bottles were filled. Give it one more year in the cellar before opening.