Glenelly Estate in the Idas Valley, Stellenbosch, is the home estate of May de Lencquesaing, previous owner of Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Bordeaux. This is no retirement home, but an ambitious project to make serious wines in one of the Cape's most beautiful and best sited vineyard areas. May has recruited Luke O'Cuinneagain as winemaker, whose career includes Chateau Fieuzal, Angelus, Screaming Eagle and five years at Rustenberg before joining Glenelly. He is assisted by Adi Badenhost as consultant winemaker. There are three ranges of wine made at the estate. The 'Glass Collection'; premium varietals from Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and Chardonnay. The 'Grand Vin': the signature blend of the estate, using Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged 18 month in oak barrels. 'Lady May'; the flagship wine made of the best Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 24 months in new oak.
'The first release was a Cape Blend from imported grapes and, to be honest, I remember the quality not being up to standard. However, the appointment of Luke O'Cuinneagain, who had worked at Chateau Angelus, Screaming Eagle and Rustenberg, plus the consultancy of Adi Badenhorst has had an immediate impact, and I was very impressed by these wines. eRobertParker.com, #196 Aug 2011.Neal Martin, www.vinous.com
