Eagles Nest Constantia
Eagles’ Nest is cradled in a secluded valley high up on the slopes of the historic Constantia mountain range, which forms part of the World Heritage Site, Table Mountain. The farm’s origins can be traced back to 1836 when it was used as a refreshment station between the area now known as Wynberg in the east, and the harbour of Hout Bay in the west. In order to make this journey, travellers had to cross the mountain pass, now known as Constantia Neck.
In 1984, the 38ha farm was purchased by the Mylrea family. After devastating fires that raged through the Cape in the summer of 2000, the farm was mostly destroyed, except for the historic buildings. Being part of the world famous Constantia Valley, known for its award winning wines, we decided to plant the farm with varieties that best suited the unique terroir of Eagle’s Nest.
Only French oak is issued from 3 different coopers. The philosophy for the reds is one third wood, one third second fill and one third third fill barrels. The wines are expected to lie in barrel for 18 to 24 months. The Viognier regime is third fill barrels only, for 8 to 11 months. The total production is limited to about 103,000 bottles per annum of which only about 4,500 are Viognier.
Merlot 2006
The colour of the wine is gorgeous plum with a deep garnet rim. On the nose, theres is an array of raspberries, blackberries and deep red cherries that open into hints of mocha and coffee. An underlying spiciness shows quite powerfully - giving indication of the cool climate. This profile carries through to entry on the palate, with ripe red berries and prominent spiciness, lingering in an elegant finish where ripe, soft tannins carry the flavours through. The wine is ready to drink now or can be cellared until 2013.
Wine Analysis
Alcohol: 14.02 vol%
Sugar: 1.8 g/l
TA: 6.0 g/l
PH: 3.54
Shiraz 2008
Typical cool climate Shiraz with a rich, fresh, dark- plum colour. On the nose the prominent white pepper tones, a hallmark of the Eagles’ Nest Shiraz, are complemented with dark red berry fruit and hints of violets.
These primary aromas are lovingly enveloped by hints of leather and smokiness which derive from the wine’s maturation in barrel. On the palate one realises the integration of all flavours and aromas, with white pepper and red berry fruits remaining the driving force. Soft, integrated tannins and a structured mid palate hold true and follow through to an extended mouthcoating after taste.
Verreaux 2008
This wine screams cool climate elegance. The colour is a gorgeous plum with a deep garnet rim. The nose explodes into an array of deep red berry fruit, raspberries, black berries and red cherries, later showing hints of mocha and coffee. The underlying spiciness which is typical of cool climate grapes pushes through the fruit quite powerfully. On the palate the wine enters with the fruit profile of the nose carrying through to the taste buds. Plenty of ripe red berries coupled with the spiciness entice the tongue. The wine is well rounded to the point of being velvety.
