Renowned Stellenbosch estate Delheim has just unveiled the highly anticipated new vintage of Edelspatz Riesling – one of the wine world’s iconic Noble Late Harvests (NLH) and most consistently awarded wines since its inception in 1979.
With this release, the 2020 Edelspatz Riesling undoubtedly takes its place in the pantheon of great wines having emerged from a season regarded as among the decade’s finest for noble rot expressions. Furthermore, it is the latest proud addition to a long line that may never have begun were it not for a chance meeting of two legendary winemakers.
Renowned the world over, Delheim Edelspatz has risen to status as a true folk icon. The wine was, for one, a regular delivery to De Tuynhuys, when Nelson Mandela held office as president. Celebrated British wine authority Oz Clarke rated Delheim one of the best producers of dessert wine in the world.
Remarkably, it is made from a single 35 year old Riesling vineyard. This fact saw the wine’s 2019 vintage become the first of its kind certified as a member of South Africa’s select Old Vine wines, hailing from an accredited heritage vineyard. The endorsement is provided under an official programme run by the Old Vine Project (OVP), which recognises that older vines make wines with unique character.
The rarity of this wine cannot be stressed enough, especially considering the decline in Riesling vineyards due to the difficulty in producing high-quality wine from them.
Its tasting notes show classic botrytis characteristics with elements of honey suckle, dried peaches and marmalade. Finely balanced, the palate offers layers of bright fruit and orange blossom.
It may be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 30 years.
The wine sells for R330 and may be ordered directly from Delheim’s online store at www.delheim.com.