News
Jean Taillefert – Back-to-Back 90+ Point Vintages for Laborie’s Icon Wine
05/01/06
2002 vintage receives 91 points in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, May 2006
In 1659 the first grapes were pressed in South Africa. Just over 30 years later, in 1691, the French Huguenot Taillefert family was granted the rights to land in the heart of the Paarl Valley. The property was planted with vines, and named Laborie after their hometown in France. By 1698, Laborie’s wines were being favorably compared to classic French wines. The rest is history…
Jean Taillefert is an ultra-premium Icon Wine in tribute to the founder of the estate, and Laborie’s crowning achievement in 300-years of winemaking. The 2001 vintage received 90-point ratings from both Wine Enthusiast Magazine (November 2004) and Wine & Spirits Magazine (January/February 2004), with the 2002 vintage garnering 91 points in the Wine Enthusiast’s current, May 2006 issue.
The wine is made from 100% Shiraz sourced from the hillsides of Paarl Mountain. Soil types of these hillside vineyards were comprised predominantly of weathered granite and clovelly. Grapes were harvested at 25° Balling, and cold-soaked for a period of 3 days at 7° Celsius. After alcoholic fermentation using select yeast strains, malolactic fermentation and 13 months maturation took place in new, 300-liter American oak barrels. 
It is deep and intense in color with strong coffee, toffee, blackberry and cassis flavors. An opulent and complex wine, with well-integrated fruit and wood flavors, and supple tannins.