Ridgeback The Journey 2021

Ridgeback Wines sits on the slopes of the Paarl-Limietberg Mountains in the heart of the Cape Winelands , a terroir shaped by warm days, cooling breezes and granite-rich soils that foster both ripe fruit concentration and structural underpinning. The Journey 2021 is a flagship Bordeaux-style red blend that draws on Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot to express balance, depth and varietal interplay. Grapes are carefully harvested, fermented and matured in French oak to weave French influence with South African fruit purity. This blend reflects Ridgeback's ethos of crafting wines with confidence, clarity and a sense of place - bold yet nuanced, expressive yet grounded in careful viticulture and cellar discipline. Colour: Deep ruby-purple in the glass - vibrant and concentrated, hinting at the wine's layered character. Nose: Intense aromas of mulberry, plum and dark berry fruit mingle with subtle pepper spice and a hint of fynbos-herb complexity; additional layers of mint, Christmas cake and light leather emerge with gentle airing. Palate: Medium- to full-bodied with a juicy core of dark fruit, vibrant acidity and silky, integrated tannins. Cassis, plum and blackberry flavours are balanced by refined spice, soft oak warmth and undertones of mint-herb nuance that add dimension without overwhelming. Finish: Long and mineral-tinged, with lingering fruit and measured savoury spice that speak to careful oak maturation and balanced structure.