The first South African wine was made by Jan van Riebeeck over 350 years ago from vines planted in Constantia. Groot Constantia established by Commander Simon van der Stel, of the VOC was South Africa’s first wine farm. After building a solid background in viticulture at his vineyards in Netherlands, he arrived at the Cape supply station in 1679. He soon implemented his art here, and thus began commercial winemaking in the Cape. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc in the lead, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon supporting. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 13 months in 76% new oak barrels, and the rest in older barrels. The wine has a deep ruby colour; it shows an abundance of ripe dark fruit such as blackberries and ripe cherries on the nose, backed by careful use of French oak barrels. Time in the glass also reveals undertones of fresh red fruit; the ripe black fruit follows on the palate, supported by firm yet fine tannin, that promises good maturation potential.