The 2015 Glenelly Lady May is a very different wine to the 2013 I tried last year, this time a much more dense, structured iteration that has a lot more in common with young Bordeaux. Less flamboyant and perhaps even a little closed at the moment (indeed, it was only released this year by the estate), it requires generous decanting and even then takes some coaxing from the glass. When it emerges, it offers very classical left-bank aromas of dark cherry, blackcurrant, cedar, and graphite, with additional notes of cinnamon, Vimto and menthol. It spent two years ageing in new oak barrels. The palate is much more forthcoming, concentrated with a Port-like density and bright, saturated fruit. Totally harmonious are the tannins and acidity, and the finish really is rather long.
Once again, this is an utterly superb Stellenbosch Bordeaux blend - and with the 2015, with great ageing potential. It’s probably the closest imitation I’ve come across to date. I wouldn’t touch bottles for another five years.
95+
The 2015 Glenelly Lady May is a very different wine to the 2013 I tried last year, this time a much more dense, structured iteration that has a lot more in common with young Bordeaux. Less flamboyant and perhaps even a little closed at the moment (indeed, it was only released this year by the estate), it requires generous decanting and even then takes some coaxing from the glass. When it emerges, it offers very classical left-bank aromas of dark cherry, blackcurrant, cedar, and graphite, with additional notes of cinnamon, Vimto and menthol. It spent two years ageing in new oak barrels. The palate is much more forthcoming, concentrated with a Port-like density and bright, saturated fruit. Totally harmonious are the tannins and acidity, and the finish really is rather long.
Once again, this is an utterly superb Stellenbosch Bordeaux blend - and with the 2015, with great ageing potential. It’s probably the closest imitation I’ve come across to date. I wouldn’t touch bottles for another five years.
95+
Mar 6th, 2022
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
