#173 DA Hanekom Langrug Malbec 2018 (Malbec Challenge winner 2021)
Malbec in South Africa: The State of the Nation Address
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I recently sat in on the judging of the South African Malbec Challenge 2021. Having tasted and scored over 30 malbecs, there are a few observations that might be of interest.
I also share some more detailed thoughts on the winning wine – the DA Hanekom Langrug Malbec 2018:|
🧑🏻🌾 Winemaker Andri Hanekom is not shy of producing big wines. Both his Bloemendal Waterlily Malbec, and his DA Hanekom Langrug Malbec are decidedly ripe in style, and carry a heavy 15% alcohol. And yet, as the critical scores have shown, he is still able to deliver impressive balance between fruit, structure and alcohol, even at those higher ABV levels.
🔬 The Langrug 2018, made with fruit from the Durbanville region, is matured in French oak for 18 months. It was the highest scoring entry out of the 30-odd wines entered into the 2021 Malbec Challenge, but I think it hasn’t seen it’s peak just yet. Will improve with another few years in bottle.
👄 This icon-style red carries lashings of black sugar plum, blueberries, and black cherry, complicated by hints of milk chocolate, oaky vanilla, and red peppercorn spice.
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