Black Elephant Vintners Three Men in a Bath Tub with a Rubber Duck 2019 / 2023
Type: Red
Country: South Africa
Region: Franschoek Valley
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz
Climate: Warm continental climate
Terroir: Grapes selected from 2 old bushvine vineyards, one on Scherpenheuwel in Franschhoek and the other growing in “Die Perskoen” ward of Wellington. Both vineyards grow on decomposed granite soils
Winemaking: All our fruit is hand-picked and chilled in our cold room overnight. The following day they are destemmed and transferred to 500kg fermentation bins or barrels for fermentation. We do not crush our berries, and 15% whole bunches are added to each ferment. 30mg/l SO2 is added at this stage, and no other chemical additions (acid, enzymes or tannins) are made. The grape must is allowed to macerate for 3-4 days before fermentation starts spontaneously. Fermentation lasts for 7-12 days at a maximum of 28°C. To extract colour, flavour and tannin from the grape skins, the must is mixed by hand 2-3 times daily according to extract and tannin development. A short post-ferment maceration is allowed to soften and focus tannins. At this stage, the wine is drained and the skins pressed using our old basket press and transferred directly to the barrel for malolactic fermentation and maturation. After completion of malolactic fermentation, the wine receives a racking to remove solids and an SO2 addition before being laid down for a 16-month maturation period. At this stage, the final blend is assembled and allowed to mature for a further 3months before bottling. The wine received a light egg white fining and filtration before bottling; decanting is recommended within the first 3-5 years. The wine was matured in oak for 19months in used French oak barrels
Color: Intense red
Nose: Aromas of fresh-picked red berries and vanilla
Palate: Medium-bodied with bright acidity and flavours of cherry, liquorice and violets
About the Winery:
Located in the drop-dead gorgeous Franschhoek Valley, Black Elephant Vintners was born out of synchronicity, fortuitous friendships and a love for wine. Kevin Swart, Raymond Ndlovu and Jacques Wentzel joined skill and grit in an endeavour to bring fun into serious winemaking and to demystify the winemaking process to all enthusiasts.
By eliminating the pomp and pressure commonly associated with wine and applying their raw passion, they created a range of wines with a unique character that appeals to different desires, tastes and occasions – wine for real people.
