Layered · Dark · Chocolatey · Complex · Timeless
The Story: Some wines tell a story; this one lives it. Solera is a layered expression of time and care — the epitome of Short Sheep in a bottle.
It begins with 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (French oak) and 2016 Merlot (Caucasian oak), aged five years individually before being blended. The wine then underwent Ripasso over the 2022 Cabernet skins and was re-Ripasso’ed over the 2023 Reserve Cabernet, before finally resting in a 500 L French oak puncheon.
Only half of that barrel was bottled as Solera, with the remainder now forming part of the ongoing Solera cycle, blending with the 2023 Reserve Cabernet and Shiraz — rinse and repeat, year after year.
On the palate, it is a mixture of young and old — boldness intertwined with the wisdom of age. Dark cherry, hints of bitter chocolate, and dried fruit evoke a liquid Black Forest gâteau, carried on mellow tannins that still have life ahead for careful cellaring.
Perfect With: Roasted meats, rich stews, or indulgent dark chocolate desserts. Serve at 16–20°C, and decant to allow the layers of the wine to fully reveal themselves.
