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Welgemeend is a small 17ha Estate situated in Klapmuts, Paarl in the Western Cape.  The Estate is most notably known for being the first cellar to produce a Bordeaux blend in South Africa in 1979!

The name Welgemeend means “Well Intended” and that is exactly what the Estate has always strove to be; a small farm with a group of people committed to quality.  Quantity surveyor, Billy Hofmeyr planted the first grapes on the farm in 1974, leading to the production of the first South African Bordeaux blend in 1979. The farm remained in the Hofmeyr family for 33 years with Billy handing the winemaking reigns over to his daughter Louise in 1991.  In 2007, the farm was sold to new owners.

As part of our weekly “Meet and Taste”, the Mosaic Team felt rather nostalgic and opened a bottle of the 1991 Welgemeend Dry Red Bordeaux Blend, to celebrate Billy with the last wine made by him. What an incredible experience!  After being stored for the past 24 years under perfect conditions in the Mosaic cellar, we could find no fault with this timeless classic! A true testament to the vision of the man who introduced the Bordeaux style wines to South Africa.

Cultivar:  Bordeaux Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot / Cabernet Franc / Petit Verdot)

Winemaker:  Billy Hofmeyr

Ullage:  No apparent ullage visible.

Cork:  Cork in excellent condition.

Color:  An incredible brick red color – almost tawny, the wine has sediment but is amazingly clear.

Bouquet:  On the nose we found leathery aromas, like that of an old but well-maintained leather suitcase, with some hints of sweet wet tobacco, freshly cut beetroot and raw coffee beans.  Despite its age, there are still some underlying nuances of red fruit berries.

Palate:  With age the wine shows a medium body, however it still retained some beautiful red fruit flavors that is fresh and clean.  Good acidity that is well balanced and quite elegant on the palate with a slightly sweet sensation in the lingering finish.

Food Pairing:  I would recommend pairing this wine with delicate cheeses or simply drink with your coffee after dinner!

Score:  90/100

Santé!

Germain