Western Cape, South AfricaDeeply stained dark, dark ruby colour with a hint of brick on the rim, this wine both looks and smells like cabernet sauvignon with aromas of ripe cassis, grilled green bell pepper, stewed fruit, dried mint, and a touch of leather. Composed tart black fruit, boosted acidity, barrel char, and quite edgy grippy tannins form a sturdy structure. The concentrated fruit comes from a patchwork of excellent sites in the Western Cape: 48% Stellenbosch, 26% Bottelary, 11% Darling, 10% Wellington, 3% Botriver, 2% Paarl, and 18 months in oak casks with 35% new oak adds much muscle and backbone to this ambitious cab. Soften its astringent grippiness with a vigorous splash decant into a clean jug, then pair with casual grilled sausages (perhaps classic boerevors), or smokey bacon burgers.Tasted: 06 July 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Western Cape, South AfricaSourced from vineyards throughout the Western Cape, this shows bold, luscious black fruits alongside coffee-tinged oak and green herbs. The palate’s not quite as rich as the nose lets on, more medium-bodied than full, with granular tannins and unintegrated, tart acidity on the finish. It’s a style of cabernet sauvignon that could come from throughout the new world, but certainly tastes more Chilean than South African. Best enjoyed slightly chilled. A fine value BBQ wine.Tasted: 30 May 2020Tasted by: Prices: