Skip to main content
Circumstance Mourvèdre, Stellenbosch (6 Bottle Case)
Circumstance Mourvèdre, Stellenbosch (6 Bottle Case)

Circumstance Mourvèdre, Stellenbosch (6 Bottle Case)

£83.99
£95.99
Tax included.

Mourvedre is perfect for Waterkloof, with its head in the sun and feet in the sea. So, not one to follow fashion, Paul Boutinot has made it the most planted red grape on this biodynamic farm. Despite this confidence, nobody could have anticipated such spectacular results when upon the release of the first vintage from 2015, the wine garnered a rave review and score of 94 points by Tim Atkin MW.

Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including: soil, aspect, altitude and vintage. The Mourvedre is from a single, windswept, south-facing (less sun exposure) block 250-300m above and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place. Production was a miserly 4 tons per hectare. Mourvedre is one of the few varietals with enough wind-resistance to plant as bush-vine on Waterkloof. Grapes are hand-harvested and brought to the cellar by horses for hand-sorting. Bunches are sorted and whole-bunch fermentation happens spontaneously with wild yeast in large, open-top wooden fermenters. Manual punch-downs or foot-pressing take place 1-2 times per day and the wine is left on skins for 30 days before going through malolactic fermentation in old 600 litre barrels then ageing for 16 months in the same vessels. No fining, just a light filtration. No additions other than sulphur. Vegan friendly, biodynamic wine. 6 barrels made.

Circumstance Mourvèdre, Stellenbosch is an elegant rendition of this normally unruly varietal. Features raspberry, dark fruit and herbal notes whilst an almost meaty, wild aroma can be detected on the nose. Typical vigor expected from this varietal, with a high concentration of fine tannin and a surprising lightness of touch helped by the lower alcohol. 

It can be paired with a variety of dishes but should show well with wild boar or lamb on the grill.

Please note that all case deals can take between 7-10 days for delivery.

Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Grapes: Mourvèdre 100%
ABV: 13.5%
Volume: 6 x 75cl 
Vintage: 2020
Suitable for Vegetarians:  Yes
Suitable for Vegans: 
Yes