La Motte Millennium 2018 is a premium red wine from the La Motte estate in South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley, renowned for its terroir and commitment to quality winemaking. The Millennium is a flagship wine from La Motte, and the 2018 vintage is a blend of the Bordeaux varieties — typically Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot — aimed at showcasing the estate's ability to produce a wine of exceptional balance, structure, and depth.
Appearance:
The wine has a deep, dark ruby color with subtle garnet edges, signaling its concentration, youth, and depth. It looks rich and vibrant in the glass, indicating the wine's complexity and potential for aging.
Nose:
On the nose, La Motte Millennium 2018 is elegant and complex, with an aromatic bouquet that blends dark fruits such as blackberry, blackcurrant, and plum. These rich fruit notes are interwoven with subtle hints of cassis and dark cherries. The influence of Cabernet Sauvignon is evident in its powerful fruit profile, while Merlot adds a smoothness and roundness to the nose. There are also spicy notes of cinnamon, clove, and a touch of black pepper, which reflect the oak aging and the natural spice of the grape varieties. Over time, you may pick up nuances of tobacco, leather, and cedarwood, which add depth and elegance. The wine has a certain earthiness that reflects the complexity of the blend.
Palate:
On the palate, La Motte Millennium 2018 is full-bodied with a silky, smooth texture. The wine offers a combination of dark fruit flavors such as blackberry, blackcurrant, and ripe plum, alongside the softer, juicy red fruit characteristics from the Merlot. The Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine structure, with firm tannins that are well-integrated and provide a backbone to the wine. The Cabernet Franc adds an element of freshness and a touch of herbaceous notes, while the Petit Verdot lends a subtle layer of complexity with its floral and dark berry flavors. The oak influence is beautifully integrated, offering a delicate hint of vanilla, toast, and smoke, adding a roundness and warmth to the wine. The acidity is well-balanced, providing freshness and lift to the wine’s rich, concentrated flavors.
Finish:
The finish is long, elegant, and refined, with the dark fruit and spice notes lingering on the palate. The tannins remain soft and structured, and the wine leaves a clean, satisfying aftertaste with a trace of oak and a hint of dark chocolate, adding a layer of sophistication to the wine’s conclusion.
Pairing:
The La Motte Millennium 2018 is a versatile wine that pairs well with a range of rich, flavorful dishes. Its structure and depth make it an excellent match for grilled meats like steak, lamb, or beef short ribs. It also pairs beautifully with roast game meats like venison or duck, as well as hearty stews. For a refined pairing, try it with aged cheeses such as Comté, gouda, or blue cheese like Roquefort. The wine will also complement rich, flavorful sauces, such as béarnaise or peppercorn sauce.
Overall Impression:
La Motte Millennium 2018 is a complex, elegant, and well-structured wine that beautifully showcases the estate’s commitment to producing top-quality Bordeaux-style blends in South Africa. With its rich fruit, integrated tannins, and subtle oak influence, it offers a harmonious and balanced drinking experience. This wine has the potential for aging, allowing its flavors to evolve and become even more refined over time. It is an excellent representation of the terroir of Franschhoek and a must-try for lovers of Bordeaux-style blends, offering both power and finesse.
