8/19/08
A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, with 24 months in French oak, of which 80% was new. This vintage has a very large percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and should age quite well even though it’s drinking nicely at a young age; an obvious factor which can be attributed to the long cool vintage.
The nose has upfront spice notes, savory with aromas of cedar, tobacco box, even a subtle notion of cigar smoke and then some dark currant fruit coming up through. Medium fuller, fuller bodied this shows elegance with ripe fruit and buttressing acidity, with a sleek almost silky texture that will become more pronounced with bottle age. Smooth, riper tannins lead to a refined, lingering finish with some spicy oak as an end note. Possessing an engaging juicy, supple mid palate with spicy black currant flavors ending on a dry note, this is not about power or size but refinement, which will only become more so with extra bottle age. Just now starting to give a glimpse of its potential, this should evolve over the next 10-12 with ease. Another classy offering this shows why this is truly a South African Icon wine.
