2020 Ben Prins Cape Late Harvest, Muratie

Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Ben Prins, Muratie’s winemaker until 1987, was as unique as the wines he produced. A hard-working, no-nonsense kind of a man–quiet, contemplative and exceptionally particular–he was both a perfectionist and a traditionalist. It was said that he knew wine like the back of his hand– or, rather, foot, given that he considered shoes to be ‘unnecessary novelties’!

In his honour, this Port-style liqueur wine is made from traditional Port varieties (Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Francisca and Souzão) that were planted in a single vineyard in the 1970s to produce a unique ‘field blend’.

On the nose, floral notes of violets and roses entice, along with Christmas spice and plum pudding. Each sip is vibrant, with flavours ranging from Kirsch-macerated black cherries to dark chocolate-enrobed hazelnuts. There are also savoury undertones – truffles and tobacco – with brisk acidity and warming alcohol in harmony with the lithely powerful structure. Seamlessly integrated after two years in old 225L French oak barrels, this world-class wine should reward contemplation for at least another two decades.

Whats in the bottle
Field blend of Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Francisca and Souzão

£31.00
Taxes included.

Complete the look:

Riedel Vinum Port/Dessert Wine Glass - Set of 2

£43.95

  • Producer Information
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  • Tech Stuff

Tucked beneath the rugged slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains, Muratie Wine Estate is one of South Africa’s most historic and atmospheric wineries, a place where time feels beautifully suspended. Founded in 1685, Muratie is among the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch, and its cobwebbed cellars, stained glass windows and ancient oak barrels still tell stories of the generations who’ve tended this land for over three centuries.

Today, under the custodianship of Rijk Melck and winemaker Hattingh de Villiers, Muratie continues to honour its heritage while crafting wines of authenticity, depth and soulful character. The estate’s philosophy is simple: minimal interference, maximum expression of site. The vineyards lie on decomposed granite and clay soils at varying elevations, producing wines that combine ripe Cape fruit with structure, freshness and a distinctive mineral core.

Muratie’s range spans the full expression of the Stellenbosch terroir from vibrant Sauvignon Blanc and textured Chenin to structured Shiraz to classic Cabernet Sauvignon. Each bears the name of a historical figure from the estate’s storied past, a tribute to the characters who shaped its enduring spirit.

More than a winery, Muratie is a living museum of Cape winemaking, a seamless blend of history, art and viticulture. Every bottle captures its essence: old-world soul with new-world vitality, a reflection of Stellenbosch’s timeless charm and Muratie’s unwavering devotion to authenticity.

The varietals (Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roritz, Tinta Francesca and Souzão) are harvested by hand at 25-28 °B, and are then sorted, crushed and destalked before being pumped into open fermenters. Cold maceration at 10 °C for 2-3 days allows for optimal colour and flavour extraction. The grapes are then inoculated for a controlled fermentation accompanied by regular punch downs 3-4 times a day. Once the desired sugar concentration is reached, brandy spirits are pumped into the tank to halt the fermentation. The fortification is carried out on the skins, which allows for further flavour extraction. Cooling and the addition of sulphur dioxide, further assists in halting the fermentation. After being pressed, the port is pumped into a tank and transferred to barrels after settling. After two and a half years in barrels the port is racked and bottled unfiltered to maintain its complexity.

Country
South Africa

Grape
Sousão, Tinta Barocca, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Roriz

Producer
Muratie

Region
Western Cape

Size
750ml

Sub-Region
Stellenbosch

Types
Port & Dessert Wine

Vintage
2020

2020 Ben Prins Cape Late Harvest, Muratie

£31.00

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