Wine: Flagstone Dragon Tree Cape Blend

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Designation: W.O. Western Cape

Producer: Flagstone

Grape Varietal: 35% Pinotage, 30% Shiraz, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Mourvedre, 2% Grenache Noir, 2% Pinot Noir & 1% Cinsault ABV: 14.5%

Type: Red

Code: 2167

Tasting Note

This warm red wine shows great complexity on the bouquet. There is a mixture of aromatic thyme and violets along with rich dark fruit, cigar box and mint. Sweet dark chocolate and spicy undertones gives this wine great depth. This wine is well balanced with some crisp acidity and an explosion of fruit in a lingering finish.

Producer

When Flagstone’s cellar was first settled in the Waterfront in Cape Town without any of its own vineyards, the winemaking team was hailed as pioneers and mavericks in the South African wine industry. The cellar was eventually moved to an old dynamite factory in the Helderberg, where grapes are still carefully sourced from every far-flung and forgotten corner of the Western Cape.

After over 20 years of doing things differently and not merely following the herd, Flagstone’s winemaking philosophy is still reflected by its world-class, award-winning wines.

Winemaking

Dragon Tree Cape Blend is Flagstone’s favourite underground, revolution wine which has achieved cult status. What makes it so successful is the tannin structure. Specific vineyards are earmarked for Dragon Tree varietals with one thing in common – lots of stone and rock in the soil which contributes to a very specific tannin feel. 

Dominated by Pinotage this is a complex and concentrated wine due to the careful separate vinification of each parcel. Once the final blend has been created, it spends up to 18 months in American oak. New French oak is also used on occasions.

Fun Fact

The wine takes its name from a Dragon Tree (Genus: Dracaena) given to the Port Captain of Cape Town, by a passing ship's captain over a century ago. He planted it in the Waterfront, where it lived to be a 150 years old. As legend had it, when dragons were mortally wounded, they would fly out to sea to die. Only where the dragon’s blood spilt, would a Dragon Tree then grow.

Food pairing

An unusual red to serve with fish, especially grilled salmon and seared tuna. It will also go perfectly with coq au vin and any game bird dishes as well as charcuterie or cold, sliced meat; and vegetarian dishes based on mushrooms.

Awards & Accolades

3.8 Vivino

Red Wine of the Year - National Wine Challenge

Gold Medal Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards

Double Gold Ultra Wine Awards 

4 * Platter’s Wine Guide