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  • James Suckling

    91 / 100

Ken Forrester The Gypsy 2012

The actual product may vary from the images shown on the website.

Red dry

Ken Forrester The Gypsy 2012

85,00

Description

The wine is produced from sites with exceptionally low yields. The berries are small but concentrated. Soil type — Grenache (planted in 1959) grows on granite soils at 450 m above sea level, while Syrah (planted in 1999) grows on soils rich in gravel and clay. This is a very limited production wine — only 1500 bottles were filled. The wine is aged separately for 12 months in old French oak vessels, and a further 12 months after the final blend. After bottling, the wine rests in bottle for another two years before being released to the market.

A substantial, berry-driven red wine with velvety tannins, offering aromas of vanilla and nutmeg, spices, wild red berries and cinnamon.

Serving recommendations

Serve at 16–18 °C with duck, wild poultry, game dishes or smoked meat.

Rating

91 / 100

James Suckling

This shows plenty of dark cherries, plums, dried cranberries and some cream character. The body's full but there's lots of fresh acidity to buttress the fine tannins. GSM blend Screw cap. Drink or hold.

About brand

The charismatic Ken Forrester, the figure behind some of South Africa's most acclaimed wines, states, "Our idea was simple – to create the best wine. For the first four or five years, we had nothing to show." However, a pivotal bottle taken to London for wine expert Matthew Duke changed everything. His reaction was incredible – it was an unprecedented expression of ‘Chenin Blanc’ from South Africa. Matthew Duke didn't hide his enthusiasm, simply calling the wine "This is frickin marvelous chenin."

The winery's philosophy is remarkably clear and focused – to produce the finest wines possible. This is undoubtedly a constant goal, challenged annually by nature's unpredictable vintage variations. Nevertheless, careful and attentive vineyard monitoring and management allow for the most optimal decisions each year. Although Ken Forrester wines are not officially certified organic or biodynamic, significant efforts are made on the estate to adhere to environmentally friendly, sustainable, and nature-preserving standards.

Wine Style

Ken Forrester wines are celebrated for their expressiveness, richness, and excellent balance. They perfectly reflect the terroir of the Stellenbosch region and the winemaker's individual touch.

  • White wines, especially their flagship ‘Chenin Blanc’, showcase a range of styles – from fresh and mineral-driven to rich and oak-aged, with complex aromas of fruit, honey, and nuts.
  • Red wines, prominently featuring ‘Pinotage’ and ‘Merlot’, are elegant, with smooth tannins and notes of ripe berries and spices.

Prestigious Vineyards

Ken Forrester Wines owns and meticulously manages vineyards in the prestigious Stellenbosch region of South Africa:

  • Old ‘Chenin Blanc’ vineyard blocks are a true asset to the winery, lending exceptional complexity and depth to the wines.
  • Granite and shale-based soils contribute to the wines' minerality and good structure.
  • A favorable climate with warm days and cool sea breezes ensures optimal grape ripening and freshness.

These unique vineyard characteristics and meticulous work in the cellar are the foundation for the exceptional quality of Ken Forrester wines.

Aging and Drinking Period

The style of Ken Forrester wines allows them to be enjoyed both in their youth and after bottle aging. Their balanced acidity and structure give the wines the potential to develop over time, gaining even more nuance and complexity. This is particularly true for their top-tier ‘Chenin Blanc’ and red wines, which can offer pleasure for decades.

Ken Forrester

Ken Forrester

South Africa All brand products

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