One of Lanzerac’s iconic Heritage wines, the Le Général 2013, was awarded Gold at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2016 (IWSC), making it one of the best wines in the ‘Cabernet Sauvignon based red blend’ category. Now in its 47th year, entries for this prestigious competition are received from nearly 90 countries. Already part of an award-winning lineage, its predecessor, the Le Général 2012 was also awarded gold at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards as well as Top 100 SA Wines status in 2015.
The Le Général 2013 is a unique Lanzerac blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage, Malbec and Petit Verdot and was named in honour of the renowned French General Lanzerac. This war veteran was famous for his aggressive attitude and determination during the Aisne-Marne battle in 1918, which marked the series of offensives that finally won the Allied Forces the war.
All the grapes for this Lanzerac blend were grown on the estate in Jonkershoek Valley which offers cooler temperatures from the Stellenbosch district. The hint of Shiraz adds extra spice to the wine and other exotic spices such as vanilla and nutmeg announce the wine before a flood of dark berries, cooked plums and blackcurrants assail the palate.
“My team is extremely proud of this achievement,” says Cellar Master Wynand Lategan. “Each vintage of Le Général captures the best of our grape varieties in different proportions, aiming for consistency in flavour and quality year after year. We only produce 6 000 bottles of this blend each year, using a basket press for soft extraction, very small stainless steel tanks and 300 litre French oak barrels to mature the wine.”
Lanzerac was also awarded Silver medals for its Mrs English 2014, Chardonnay 2014 and Pinotage 2013, respectively.
The Le Général is available exclusively through the Lanzerac Wine Club, online or at their Tasting Room. For more information, contact Zelda Furstenburg on 021 886 5641 or email [email protected]
