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News Release

Wednesday, 16 September 2009

Flagship Rhône and Bordeaux-style blends launched at Hidden Valley Wines

Hidden Valley Wines, known for its boutique red varietal wines, is launching its first flagship red blends.

These are comprised of cultivars planted to Oakleaf soils, high on the slopes of the Helderberg in a uniquely moderate microclimate. The wines are characterised by slow ripened grapes, whose velvety smooth, well-structured tannins are typical of the area.

Hidden Valley Hidden Gems 2006 is a Bordeaux-style blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon. Big, soft tannins and sweet red fruit form the backbone of the wine, whose juicy strawberry-blueberry notes owe to the use of Malbec and Merlot. A prominent influence on the wine is the Petit Verdot; whose big tannins, full palate, intense colour and cassis add much to the fullness and complexity of the blend.

Hidden Valley Hidden Secret 2006 is a Rhône-style blend that features a staple cultivar of Hidden Valley Wines; the Helderberg Shiraz. Spicy white pepper and savoury flavours dominate the wine; an effect that is amplified by the use of Mourvèdre, which adds its own spice. A small percentage of Tannat boosts the tannins in the wine, though these remain soft, as the grapes were picked when very ripe. The resulting profile is green spice and sumptuous red fruit in a deeply coloured wine.

Also tabled for release is the Land’s End Syrah 2007 from the Cape Agulhas vineyards. As with its popular predecessor, the maiden vintage 2006, the Syrah shows the influence of its maritime environment: cool, long ripening contributing soft, rich fruit and a distinct, delicious saltiness.

The flagship blends are available now at the Hidden Valley cellar, and at selected Wine Concepts stores in Cape Town. The Lands End Syrah 2007 is yet to be released.

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