Holden Manz Visionaire 2021

Nestled in the southern reaches of the Franschhoek Valley, Holden Manz Wine Estate sits at around 300 metres above sea level between the Franschhoek River and Stony Brook, surrounded by mountains. Its 22 hectares include 16 hectares under vine, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah at the heart of the estate's red-wine focus. The combination of long, cool winters, warm, dry summers and a gentle autumn allows for slow, even ripening, while three distinct soil types contribute to the estate's varied terroir. Holden Manz Visionaire 2021 brings these four varieties together in a distinctly South African interpretation of a Bordeaux-style red blend, with Syrah adding a savoury, spicy dimension. The 2021 season was cooler than usual, delaying harvest by roughly two weeks and encouraging longer hang time and higher natural acidity. The result is a wine with concentration, freshness and refinement rather than relying purely on weight.

Colour: Deep garnet red with a vibrant ruby-red edge.
Nose: Aromatic and layered, led by ripe red and black berries, fresh plum and blackberry. Behind the fruit are notes of black pepper, spice, graphite and subtle savoury, earthy nuances.
Palate: Smooth and focused, with ripe plum, blackberry and other dark-fruit flavours supported by a fine thread of acidity. The Cabernet varieties provide shape and structure, while Merlot brings softness and Syrah contributes spice and savoury depth. Tannins are notably soft and refined, giving the wine a polished texture without making it feel heavy.
Finish: Long and supple, with lingering fresh plum, spice and a distinctive graphite-like savouriness. The finish is elegant rather than forceful, leaving a clean impression of dark fruit and fine spice.