Named after the South Easterly wind that cools the vineyards, the Cape Doctor, from Journey’s End comes with something of a reputation following the 2007 vintage’s 2011 Michelangelo Gold Medal Awards and 4½ Stars in the 2012 Platter’s Wine Guide.
The Journey’s End Estate is owned by the Gabb family, originally from England, who started their venture on the rolling Schapenberg Hills in Stellenbosch in 1995. Their approach to winemaking is simple: minimal intervention results in top-quality, single-vineyard and appellation wines.
Harvested in March 2009, form south-facing slopes, the Cape Doctor is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 7% Malbec and 7% Cabernet Franc.
The nose is peppery but fruity, with blackberry, and instantly indicates a darkness that is equally present on the palate. There’s dark chocolate notes and vanilla but it’s backed up by a herby, mintyness. You get eucalyptus, green herbs, perfume and floral elements that make for an intriguing mouth. It’s juicy with soft tannins and it’s richer and fruitier than a traditional Bordeaux but it does have similarities.
It would pair well with roasted pork shoulder or strong blue cheeses. This is a wine that would also sit well for a year or two, allowing for further enhancement of the flavours.