From: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Taste: Juicy blackberry melds seamlessly with notes of cassis, red currant, and graphite, complemented by a subtle hint of forest floor. This rich tapestry of flavors has earned the wine an 88-point rating from Wine Spectator. Described as lively and well-spiced, it balances baked red currant and raspberry fruit with savory notes of herbed green olive, all supported by light, taut tannins that round off the moderate finish.
Pairing: It is an ideal companion to robust dishes like lamb shank or steak hollandaise, and its nuanced flavors also complement vegetarian dishes such as Biryani and vegetable curry. Whether enjoyed by a warm fireplace or while watching the sunset, the 2020 Finlayson Cab et al. is a wine that promises to elevate any moment into a memorable experience.
Nasi Biryani
Recipe from Shila Das
Adapted by Clarissa Wei
About. Nestled in the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain in the northern reaches of the Stellenbosch wine region lies Edgebaston Vineyard, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Finlayson family in South African winemaking. The story of this vineyard is intertwined with the journey of David Finlayson, a third-generation grape grower and vintner whose name has become synonymous with top-quality wines made from both Burgundian and Bordeaux grape varieties.
David's journey in winemaking is a rich tapestry of experience and passion. Born and raised in Stellenbosch, he was a Dux student at Elsenburg Agricultural College, a cornerstone for many prominent winemakers. His quest for knowledge didn't stop there. David ventured globally, enhancing his skills at renowned wineries like Chateau Margaux in France and Peter Lehmann Wines in Australia. This international exposure has significantly influenced his winemaking style.
In 2004, David and his family embarked on a transformative journey by purchasing the run-down Edgebaston farm. This marked the beginning of a painstaking rebuilding process, turning it into the picturesque 30-hectare vineyard it is today. David's commitment to excellence is evident in his meticulous approach to vineyard management, using only the best vine material and organic fertilizers sourced from hormone-free dairy herds and compost sites.
The terroir of Edgebaston is exceptional, with deep clay topsoil and shale sub-soils unique to this part of Stellenbosch. This distinctive composition lends the wines produced here a classic style, structured minerality, and remarkable complexity. The vineyard, spanning 22 hectares out of the 29-hectare property, is planted with a variety of grapes, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier, Shiraz, Mourvedre, Tannat, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. Each variety is carefully nurtured to ensure the highest quality of wine production.
David's influence on the Cape's modern wine industry is indelible. His father, Walter Finlayson, a two-time winner of the "South African Winemaker of the Year" award, and his grandfather, Dr. Maurice Finlayson, a pathologist turned winemaker, laid the foundation for what would become a family legacy in the region.
At Edgebaston, David Finlayson's approach to winemaking reflects his respect for the land and his passion for the craft. His ethos of quality and environmental stewardship permeates every aspect of the winery. The wines reflect this philosophy, embodying the essence of the Stellenbosch region's terroir and the Finlayson family's commitment to excellence. David's fondness for Rhone styles is evident in his wines, where he skillfully brings the fruit and tannins to the forefront, allowing the influence of wood to complement rather than overpower the wine's natural characteristics subtly.
Through over 25 years of winemaking experience, both in South Africa and abroad, David Finlayson has contributed to and shaped the narrative of South African winemaking. His dedication to the craft and the land is a living legacy, and the wines of Edgbaston stand as a testament to the Finlayson family's enduring commitment to quality, innovation, and the expression of the unique terroir of Stellenbosch.
This Cabernet blend, expertly crafted by Finlayson, who honed his skills at the prestigious Chateau Margaux, represents a shift from the traditional, age-demanding Bordeaux style to a more approachable, plush wine that invites enjoyment in its youth.
Combining 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot, the Cab et al. is a symphony of flavors and textures. The grapes, a harmonious blend from the Stellenbosch and Paarl regions, are handpicked and meticulously sorted through a Pellenc selective de-stemmer, ensuring only the finest berries are used. This dedication to quality is evident in every sip.
The winemaking process is a careful balance of tradition and innovation. The fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks over three weeks, with an additional ten days of maceration to enhance the flavor profile. During this time, pump overs and punch downs are performed 2-3 times daily, but with a gentleness that extracts color and flavor without imparting harsh tannins. The wine is then pressed softly in a bag press, focusing on extracting only the softest tannins, and matured for 14 months in a mix of 95% French oak and 5% American oak. Before bottling, the wine is fined with Vegecol and softly filtered, ensuring a polished finish.