Discoverer Norma Ratcliffe had ambitious plans for Warwick's flagship wine: it had to be a wine with a nod to Bordeaux. Hence the choice of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and, of course, Cabernet Franc. She planted these red grape varieties in a unique location on the Cape. The vineyard has now matured and is not producing a large harvest, but it is one of unparalleled quality. All grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously selected, ensuring that only the best and finest bunches are bottled. After pressing, this red Trilogy is aged for 27 months in the Warwick Estate cellars. For this red wine, a substantial percentage of new oak is used, giving the wine a strong sense of the oak barrel. And, of course, to continue aging in the bottle for many years to come, as this red wine is perfectly capable of doing.
The nose reveals aromas of coffee, black fruit, vanilla, and a hint of chocolate and smoke. But it's truly overwhelming! The palate is powerful and full of impressions; you have to let it sink in for a moment because you're overwhelmed by flavors. Plenty of aromas of blackcurrant, vanilla, chocolate, leather, and a touch of smoke and plum. The finish is broad with lovely soft tannins.
