Heritage - reimagined & newly released at La Motte

A symbol of French winemaking heritage in the Franschhoek Valley, La Motte Wine Estate with its centuries-old history dating back to 1695, its magnificently restored Cape Dutch buildings and its reputation for conserving heritage is delighted to announce a new addition to its wine portfolio, quite fittingly for Heritage Month in September.

A Bordeaux-style red blend, the 2024 La Motte Heritage is a celebration of the estate’s cherished legacy symbolised by the magnificent manor house, built by Gabriel du Toit in 1751. The front label of the newly introduced wine features the historic house’s distinctive gable with the initials of both eighth owner, Gideon Jacobus Joubert (GJJ) and those of his wife, Susanna Francina Retief (SFRT) responsible for the architectural addition in 1836.

The 2024 La Motte Heritage presents an exceptional composition of classic varietals in a style that is both timeless and contemporary. Rich in structure, elegance and depth, it embodies La Motte's enduring commitment to beauty, craftsmanship and the thoughtful evolution of tradition.

The wine is made from 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc from vineyards in the Helderberg area, approximately 7km from the False Bay coast. Cooling coastal influences and extreme winter conditions resulted in a slow start to the growing season, but because of a dry, hot summer, harvesting started earlier than in the previous two years.

Harvested at optimum ripeness, the grapes were fermented in stainless steel before it spent 18 months in 300-litre French oak barrels – the Cabernet Sauvignon in new barrels and the Cabernet Franc in second fill barrels.

The 2024 La Motte Heritage is a structured and elegant wine with dark fruit flavours and a savoury herbal edge. Aromas of ripe black berries are layered with fresh bell pepper, pencil shavings, cedar wood and a hint of violet. The full-bodied palate follows through with juicy black fruit, savoury graphite, earthy tobacco and herbal notes. The finish is dry and intricate and lingers with fine-grained tannins and nuances of spice.

While recognising its rich history, the emphasis at La Motte is not only on heritage preserved in time, but rather how it can be continuously reimagined. Something that is clear from both the modern interpretation of this traditional French blend and how guests are invited to enjoy the Rupert family’s passions on the estate. A hiking trail showcases the conservation and preservation of the natural heritage of indigenous vegetation and fynbos on the slopes of the Wemmershoek mountains, while the owner’s appreciations for the South African art heritage is shared through an immersive art experience as well as an extraordinary offering of the culinary arts.