Le Chant du Coq Rouge 2019

The Le Chant du Coq Rouge is a collaboration between the Oddo family, Willie Joubert, Schalk-Willem Joubert and Petri Venter to bring the best of two worlds in one single bottle. The vineyards in Polkadraai are organically farmed and an interesting blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Sangiovese is fermented in French oak barrels, transferred to cement tanks and bottled after a process of approximately 24 months. It is left to settle in the bottle for a further 6 months.

This wine has a deep Burgundy red to brick red colour. It is clean but complex on the nose with notes of mulberries, black cherries, plums and vanilla pods. The entry on the palate is extremely elegant and smooth, with a balanced mouthfeel. It is fruit-forward, delivering exactly what it promised on the nose with additional layers in the background of light leather and tobacco leaf, as well as violets and some red fruit. These background notes grow stronger as the blend develops on the palate. The tannins are so well integrated that they are almost difficult to notice, but towards the end they have a soft powdery finish, together with the fruit and a very good clean feel.

This wine can be enjoyed on its own or with a wide variety of food, such as lasagne, steak and stews. It can be slightly chilled, but not too much. It has the potential to stay in the cellar for a good 6-8 years but it is recommended to drink now. The price point for this fantastic wine makes it a steal!

Producer: Le Chant

Variety: 38% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Shiraz, 2% Sangiovese

Vintage: 2019

Origin: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: Petri Venter

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 13.5%

RS: 2.65g/l

Average price: R220

Rating: 95/100