Journey’s End, the picturesque boutique winery and vineyard situated on the mountain slopes above Sir Lowry’s Pass Village near Somerset West in the Helderberg basin, have released their rebranded ‘V Series’ range of wines to high acclaim.
On release, the Journey’s End V Chardonnay 2018 was honoured with a Top 10 placing and 93 points in Winemag.co.za’s 2019 Prescient Chardonnay Report and the Journey’s End V Shiraz 2016 received a Gold medal at the 2019 Michelangelo Awards.
One of South Africa’s most sustainable and experimental wineries, Journey’s End Vineyards was purchased by the Gabb family (originally from Shropshire, UK) in 1995, recognising the uniqueness of this beautiful farm with its magnificent views but, most significantly, its proven excellent terroir. Situated on the south-west facing slopes of the famous Schaapenberg Hills (neighbours are top wine estates Vergelegen and Morgenster), the vineyards have excellent soils and the cool south-easterly summer winds extend the ripening season of the vines and keep them dry and free of most insects.
JOURNEY’S END VINEYARDS V SERIES
Journey’s End Vineyards ‘V Series’ (Vineyard Series), comprises a Chardonnay 2018, Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Shiraz 2016, Merlot 2016 and a maiden release, a Cabernet Franc 2017. All the wines in this Vineyard Series are distinctive examples of Journey’s End Vineyard’s unique terroir. With only a handful of premium, hand-crafted wines grown in excellent soils on sea-facing slopes, caressed by cool coastal breezes, the focus at Journey’s End Vineyards is very much on quality.
Journey’s End V Chardonnay 2018
The grapes were handpicked early morning from 2 different blocks. The one block was picked at 22.5 balling which gives the citrus/ minerality character to the wine. The other block was picked at 24.5 balling and contributes to the riper fruit flavours in the wine. Clear and bright, straw with a hint of green. Expressive fruit, initially lemon and citrus, but under that, it’s more tropical and pineapple, all seamed through with crushed almond, savoury oak tones. This is a layered, complex wine, the result of cool-grown fruit carefully handled, plus barrel selection. The palate is silky, with a tangy finish from the fruit and acid combination, extending the flavours.
Only 30 barrels produced – approximate retail price: R165
Journey’s End V Shiraz 2016
The grapes were hand-picked early in the morning from 2 different blocks on the farm. Block 9 is 140 m above sea level and block 13 is about 170 m above sea level. Ruby with a garnet edge. An expressive nose, brambleberries, campfire smoke, dusty savoury spice, this is a complex layered wine, providing lots of interest. Already delicious, the bit of age has made the texture smooth and rounded, with beautifully integrated tannins, but there is still a good future ahead.
Only 17 barrels produced – approximate retail price: R180
Journey’s End V Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Grapes were hand-picked early in the morning from blocks 6B & 8. Block 8 normally gets affected by the dominant wind during flowering period. Block 6B is next to a Eucalyptus forest which has an influence on the flavour profile but also protects the block from the wind. A core of rich blackcurrants, black plums, with a savoury overlay, meat extract, white pepper, mixed spice. The velvety texture is a result of maturation – the wine is at the perfect drinking age – and fine-textured tannins. Complex layered and well crafted.
Only 38 barrels produced – approximate retail price: R180
Journey’s End V Merlot 2016
The grapes were hand-picked early in the morning from blocks 5 & 7. Block 7 is situated next to a Eucalyptus forest which has a subtle influence on the flavour profile of the wine. Ruby, clear and bright. Blackcurrants and raspberries, a hint of violets, with the French oak well balanced to allow the fruit to shine. It shows nutmeg, vanilla, and white pepper perfume, and finishes with just enough grip to promise good cellaring potential. An elegant, polished wine, already drinking well. Best drunk until 2026
Only 25 barrels produced – approximate retail price: R180
Journey’s End V Cabernet Franc 2017
The grapes were handpicked from Block 4, largely situated on decomposed granite soils. The juice is fermented in 5000L French oak truncated casks before going through malolactic fermentation in second fill 300L barrels. The wine is then allowed to age for 14 months after malolactic fermentation in barrel before being blended and bottled.
This wine displays intense ripe cherry, savoury kalamata olive and wild fynbos characters on the nose rounded up by a sweet cinnamon spice from generous oak maturation. Great balance is exhibited on the pallet with coastal freshness, Mediterranean minerality and soft powdery tannins with a lengthy finish. Best drunk now and until 2025.
Only 3 barrels produced – approximate retail price: R180
Journey’s End V Series Retail Prices: The Journey’s End V Series Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are available for purchase at Journey’s End Vineyards cellar door, online at https://shop.journeysend.co.za/ and nationally at select fine wine merchants as well as at leading restaurants.
Approximate retail prices for the V Series wines range between R165 and R180.
JOURNEY’S END VINEYARDS WINES
Journey’s End Vineyards recently revamped their range of wines to give clear differentiation between their three series – Tales Series, V Series and Precision Series – while maintaining a consistent theme across the family of wines.
JOURNEY’S END TALES SERIES
The new look Tales Series range of wines, which were recently released, each have their own story to tell:
• Weather Station Sauvignon Blanc 2018 is named after the ‘Weerstasie Kloon’ (Weather Station clone) in Stellenbosch where the SB11 Sauvignon Blanc clone was first propagated in the 1920s before a resurgence in the late 1970s.
• Haystack Chardonnay 2018 is named after the age-old practice of planting wheat between the rows of vines, which encourages all the aphids and flies to land on the crop instead of the vines.
• The Huntsman – Shiraz Mourvèdre Viognier 2017 is named after the original kennels the Gabb family found on their farm dating back to 1822, and where the Journey’s End winery now stands.
• Pastor’s Blend – Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2018 pays homage to the Reverend from the local village of Sir Lowry’s Pass who regularly delivers Sunday communion at the foot of the Journey’s End vineyard.
All four of the Tales Series wines are available nationally retailing between R85 and R95 at select retail outlets and wine merchants.
JOURNEY’S END PRECISION SERIES
The Journey’s End Precision Series comprises three top tier wines. The Griffin (Syrah), Destination Chardonnay and Cape Doctor (Cabernet Sauvignon) will soon be released and will be available nationally, retailing between R260 and R300.
VISIT JOURNEY’S END VINEYARDS
• Tasting and sales by appointment: Monday Friday: 10h00 – 17h00
Journey’s End Vineyards, Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Somerset West 7130
Tel: 021 858 1929 · Email: info@Journeysend.co.za
http://www.journeysend.co.za/ · https://www.facebook.com/journeysendwines/
Twitter: @JourneysEndWine · Instagram: @journeysendwines
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