Our very first attempt at making a Vintage port-style from the Malgas vineyards using Touriga Nacional. A grape which is seemingly made to produce a port.

Youthful and vibrant, with dark, brooding fruit and a lively palate, this stellar release is destined for the cellar – needing at least 10 years or more to reach its full maturation. The 2019 Cape Vintage is rich and full, fortified with top-quality wine spirits, energising the palate. Produced in tiny volumes (a meagre 600 half bottles), it speaks of Malgas’s amazing terroir.

At Sijnn, they harvested the 3 rows of Touriga Nacional bush vines a week later than the rest. The team sorted the grapes by hand, including some raisins, before destemming and crushing. A few stalks were added back during fermentation. The wine then spent 2 years in a 2nd-fill, 300L barrel. Made by the talented, on-site winemaker Charla Bosman (née Haasbroek), the 2019 was left unfined, unfiltered and bottled by hand.

Tasting notes:

‘Vintage port-style from a terroir seemingly made for it. From touriga, with highish alcohol (21%) & lowish sugar (66 g/L); 2 years in new oak & now for many more in bottle. 2019 dislocated in youth, its serious components will knit into a powerhouse. Mere 600 bottles.’ – Platter’s Guide, 5* (96/100)