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Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is a world-renowned wine region located in the Cape Winelands, known for its exceptional wines, stunning natural beauty, and diverse terroir. The region is home to a range of acclaimed wineries, including Kanonkop Wine Estate, Rust en Vrede Wine Estate, and Thelema Mountain Vineyards, each known for their exceptional wines and commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. Stellenbosch boasts a Mediterranean climate, cooled by maritime breezes from the nearby Atlantic Ocean, with warm summers and mild winters. Its diverse terroir, including a range of soil types and microclimates, creates ideal growing conditions for a variety of grape varietals.
Experience the world-class wines of Stellenbosch and discover why this historic wine region continues to be a favorite among wine lovers. From bold and full-bodied reds to crisp and elegant whites, Stellenbosch offers an exceptional range of wines to suit every taste and preference. Plan a visit to this beautiful wine region and explore the vineyards, taste the wines, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of South African winemaking. With its stunning natural beauty, exceptional wines, and warm hospitality, Stellenbosch is a destination not to be missed.
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Stellenbosch
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (JP) |
Inc. VAT
£499.67 |
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John Platter (95)Elegant & composed red blend, continues serious vein noted in 2011 & 2009; Shiraz component upped to 87% with Cab. Unforced & subtly oaked, with exotic & enticing cardamom overlay. |
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| Coastal Region | 2 | 96 (GS) |
Inc. VAT
£220.07 |
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Greg Sherwood MW (96)A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Syrah and 7% Petit Verdot which was aged for 19 months in French oak, 50% new 400 litre barrels and 50% second fill. A seductively perfumed vintage, the aromatics show alluring notes of violets, potpourri and hits of lily over dark bramble berry fruits with hints of mocha espresso notes that combine with subtle buttered brown toast nuances. The palate shows fabulous elegance and finesse with a soft touch concentration of black currant, Christmas pudding, savoury plum compote and black cherry. The tannins are powdery and fine grained but also structured and drying, combining well with a fresh glossy acidity that keeps the finish focused, vibrant and bright. An impressive wine that not only shows off another great vintage in the Cape but also what is increasingly possible with the superb Anwilka Stellenbosch terroir. |
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| Coastal Region | 1 | 18.5+ (MJ) |
Inc. VAT
£268.07 |
||||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5+)Plush and packed with cassis, this is a tremendously flashy wine with deep wells of liqueur-like fruit coupled with strident oak and a lovely bright, dry finish. Yearning to be set free, BCSS is like a prize-fighter itching for the bell so it can launch itself at its opponent. This is an amazing Cabernet and while it has the stuffing to go deep into the later rounds, I love its toned flanks and glistening musculature right now. |
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| Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (PG) |
Inc. VAT
£250.07 |
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Platter's South African Wine Guide (97)(Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year) Power & precision combine in stellar 2019. Ripe black cherry fruit with lifted perfume notes (dab of cab franc, as Franschhoek sibling), fine integrated tannins & fresh, lithe appeal. 75% new French oak adds to muscular richness completing a very fine wine. 5 parcels in Helderberg, Polkadraai & Faure. |
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| Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) |
Inc. VAT
£454.07 |
||||||
Tim Atkin (98)I’m making this for Syrah fanatics”, says Reenen Borman. Lucky them is all I can say, because this is another stunning release from a brilliant young winemaker. Intense, granitic and spicy, with lovely lavender and garrigue aromas, layers of dark, inky fruit, stylish oak and amazing length. What more do you want from a Syrah? 2020-30 |
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| Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£484.07 |
||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£424.07 |
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|
The benchmark cuvée from the exceptionally talented Reenen Borman, at the helm of this mythical estate since 2010 - this wine is spoken about in hushed tones amongst experts, critics.
More Info
50% whole-bunch fermentation has given the wine monolithic structure, without a single brick out of place. 25% of the wine was raised in 400 litre oak barrels, imparting gentle seasoning and further fine tannins, whilst the remaining 75% was raised in concrete eggs, preserving the fruit's sensational freshness and impossible purity. Naturally, this wine is infantile due to its quality and structure, but already it displays a mesmeric mélange of violets, dried flowers, herbs and spices on the nose. Positively quivering with energy at this stage, the wine’s acidity shoots like Artemis’ arrow across the palate, losing no momentum through the endless finish. It is hard to overstate the juddering quality of Epilogue – Tim Atkin MW said of the 2017 that it was “now established as one of the Cape’s great Syrahs”... It is now one of the world’s greatest wines. |
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| Coastal Region | 1 | 92 (TA) |
Inc. VAT
£160.07 |
||||||
Tim Atkin MW (92)Kottabos is all made with grapes from the Polkadraai area and is a southern Rhône-style blend of Grenache and 40% Syrah, benefiting from 60% whole bunches. Easy drinking and engagingly perfumed, with pot pourri and Turkish Delight aromas, candy floss sweetness and nuanced tannins. 2021-25 |
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| Coastal Region | 3 | 90 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£246.47 |
||||||
Vinous (90)Bright ruby-red. Sexy, soil-inflected scents of blueberry, tobacco, black tea and spices. Plush, pliant and sweet on the palate, offering considerable immediate appeal and finishing with a fine dusting of tannins and very good length. Not especially complex but delicious and perfumed right now; sweeter and more pliant than the 2013 version but without that wine's lift or tannic clout. |
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| Coastal Region | 3 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£190.07 |
||||||
Vinous (91)Bright ruby-red. Lovely floral lift to the aromas of blackberry, blueberry, tobacco and licorice. Plush, very ripe aromas of medicinal black cherry, dark berries and licorice. An almost creamy style of Cabernet Franc but with a restrained sweetness. Not hugely deep but finishes with sneaky length. Ultimately more complex and gripping than the 2012 version. |
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| Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£232.07 |
||||||
| Coastal Region | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£178.07 |
||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | 90 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£250.07 |
||||||
Vinous (90)Bright ruby-red. Musky aromas of black raspberry, smoke, nuts and coffee. Sweet and supple on the palate, with a pliant texture but not quite the consistency of ripeness as the 2009 version. Dark berry flavors are joined by tobacco, truffle and herbs. Here the tannins are a touch green and less refined than those of the 2009, but the finish is still rich and persistent. |
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| Coastal Region | 3 | 90 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£238.07 |
||||||
Vinous (90)(15.8% alcohol; Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 7% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc; 40% new French oak): Liqueur-like black cherry, blueberry, mocha and licorice on the nose, along with hints of pepper, fresh herbs and woodsmoke. Hugely ripe, plush and chewy but initially a bit dulled by alcohol. Rich, deep dark berry and chocolate flavors emerged with air. Finishes long, sweet and ripely tannic, with enough acidity to maintain its balance. A major no-holds-barred mouthful of Cabernet. |
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| Coastal Region | 4 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£205.67 |
||||||
Vinous (91)Full ruby-red. Brooding aromas of black cherry, cassis and licorice. Rich, sweet, seamless, plush cabernet with an almost chocolatey ripeness as well as a medicinal reserve to its pliant dark berry flavors. Wonderfully creamy, edge-free wine to drink soon or lay down. But will it be as expansive as the 2012? Lots of dusty tannins here. |
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| Coastal Region | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£184.07 |
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| Coastal Region | 1 | 89 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£58.15 |
||||||
Vinous (89)The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from two parcels, blended with 5% Merlot and matured in 35% new oak for 22 months. The bouquet has an attractive bouquet, quite pure with blackberry, raspberry coulis and light tobacco notes. The palate is medium-bodied with tertiary black fruit, cigar box and a touch of fig, nicely proportioned and classic in style with an almost Bordeaux-like finish. One for those who like a more classic-styled Cabernet. |
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| Coastal Region | 4 | 89 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£160.07 |
||||||
Vinous (89)The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from two parcels, blended with 5% Merlot and matured in 35% new oak for 22 months. The bouquet has an attractive bouquet, quite pure with blackberry, raspberry coulis and light tobacco notes. The palate is medium-bodied with tertiary black fruit, cigar box and a touch of fig, nicely proportioned and classic in style with an almost Bordeaux-like finish. One for those who like a more classic-styled Cabernet. |
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| Coastal Region | 1 | 88 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£190.07 |
||||||
Wine Advocate (88)A full range of fruits can be seen with the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon. Red, black and blue fruit are all present on the nose, with oak tones hiding in the back as well as subtle earth and cigar box aromas. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, dark cherry, cassis and juicy blueberry glide across the mid-palate, showing integrated soft, earthy aromas of leather and inorganic rock, ending with a long finish. This is a pleasing and structured Cabernet with a focused balance. The wine spent 22 months in oak barrels, 35% new. 8,040 bottles were made. |
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| Coastal Region | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£58.15 |
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| Coastal Region | 5 | - |
Inc. VAT
£172.07 |
||||||
| Coastal Region | 3 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£172.07 |
||||||
Vinous (91)Bright yellow-gold. Deep, complex aromas of yellow fruits, smoke and honey, lifted by a subtle note of white flowers. At once dense, smooth and light on its feet, showing a fruitier personality and an airier texture than the 2015, not to mention an element of saline minerality. Here the oak influence gives shape to the wine and draws out its tactile finish. This may go truffley in its golden years. |
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| Coastal Region | 16 | 88 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£130.07 |
||||||
Wine Advocate (88)A clean and refreshing Chenin with classic citrus tones, the 2017 Chenin Blanc was 100% barrel fermented with natural yeasts. On the palate, the wine is consistent with nose and has a good structure, showing clean, correct citrus along with soft, just-ripe stone fruits and white flowers. Medium-bodied, the wine ends clean and crisp with a moderate to long finish. Just over 10,000 bottles were made. |
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| Coastal Region | 9 | - |
Inc. VAT
£148.07 |
||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£496.07 |
||||||
Vinous (93)(a blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot and 13% shiraz; 15% alcohol): Medium ruby. Rather reticent aromas of spices, dark chocolate and licorice. Dense and very ripe but juicy, with a lively acid backbone currently suppressing the brooding dark berry and licorice flavors. Finishes with very ripe, dusty tannins and palate-staining persistence. This powerfully concentrated wine needs several years of additional bottle aging. |
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| Coastal Region | 2 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£472.07 |
||||||
Vinous (91)(15% alcohol; 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 14% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Franc; aged in 100% new French oak): Full ruby-red. Lively aromas of dark plum, currant, coffee and mocha complicated by an herbal/peppery aspect and a note of menthol. Suave and smooth in the mouth, with currant, plum and spice flavors complicated by subtle hints of underbrush, truffle and menthol. Conveys a lovely impression of slow ripening. This plush, full, satisfying Cabernet finishes with big but ripe tannins and subtle persistence, and without obvious heat. |
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| Coastal Region | 1 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£376.07 |
||||||
Vinous (91)(15.5% alcohol): Saturated bright ruby. Pungent aromas of blackberry, cassis, spices, violet and peppery herbs, along with some exotic chocolatey oak notes. Plush, velvety wine with some high tones of dried herbs. Wonderfully broad and concentrated, although some will find this a bit herbal. Finishes very long, with serious dusty tannins and surprising energy and lift. There's no rush to drink this blend; as sweet as it is, there's good spine and structural support here for further development in bottle. |
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| Coastal Region | 6 | 90 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£373.67 |
||||||
Wine Advocate (90)The 2012 Elevation 393 is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine spent 23 months in new French oak and underwent spontaneous fermentation. The nose begins with complex dark fruits, smoky tones with a black spice and a fine dusty minerality, which Stellenbosch typically lends to a wine. There are bitter black tea and herbal notes that are expressed over the mid-palate and meshes well with the dark fruit and spice notes here. The finish is long and full-bodied, with a tight tannic grip. 3,504 bottles were bottled by hand, unfiltered and unfined. |
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| Coastal Region | 3 | 89+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£176.87 |
||||||
Vinous (89+)Good full, dark red. Varietally expressive aromas of redcurrant, plum, wild herbs, milk chocolate and truffle. Densely packed dark berry, bitter chocolate and licorice flavors are complicated by truffle, herbs and a hint of tar. Finishes with a firm tannic spine and very good length. This very young merlot needs a few years in bottle to gain in pliancy. |
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| Coastal Region | 2 | 88 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£232.07 |
||||||
Vinous (88)(15.3% alcohol; aged for 18 months in 35% new French oak): Good dark red. Musky, slightly wild, almost Syrah-like nose hints at mocha, woodsmoke and pepper. Very smooth and very dry, offering subtle red berry, woodsmoke and pepper flavors. A bit too woodsmoky for my taste but there's no denying the wine's silky middle palate. A serious dusting of tannins currently cuts off the fruit of this savory Merlot, giving the persistent finish a faint dryness. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (JP) |
In Bond
£403.00 |
||||||
John Platter (95)Elegant & composed red blend, continues serious vein noted in 2011 & 2009; Shiraz component upped to 87% with Cab. Unforced & subtly oaked, with exotic & enticing cardamom overlay. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 2 | 96 (GS) |
In Bond
£170.00 |
||||||
Greg Sherwood MW (96)A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Syrah and 7% Petit Verdot which was aged for 19 months in French oak, 50% new 400 litre barrels and 50% second fill. A seductively perfumed vintage, the aromatics show alluring notes of violets, potpourri and hits of lily over dark bramble berry fruits with hints of mocha espresso notes that combine with subtle buttered brown toast nuances. The palate shows fabulous elegance and finesse with a soft touch concentration of black currant, Christmas pudding, savoury plum compote and black cherry. The tannins are powdery and fine grained but also structured and drying, combining well with a fresh glossy acidity that keeps the finish focused, vibrant and bright. An impressive wine that not only shows off another great vintage in the Cape but also what is increasingly possible with the superb Anwilka Stellenbosch terroir. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | 18.5+ (MJ) |
In Bond
£210.00 |
||||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5+)Plush and packed with cassis, this is a tremendously flashy wine with deep wells of liqueur-like fruit coupled with strident oak and a lovely bright, dry finish. Yearning to be set free, BCSS is like a prize-fighter itching for the bell so it can launch itself at its opponent. This is an amazing Cabernet and while it has the stuffing to go deep into the later rounds, I love its toned flanks and glistening musculature right now. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (PG) |
In Bond
£195.00 |
||||||
Platter's South African Wine Guide (97)(Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year) Power & precision combine in stellar 2019. Ripe black cherry fruit with lifted perfume notes (dab of cab franc, as Franschhoek sibling), fine integrated tannins & fresh, lithe appeal. 75% new French oak adds to muscular richness completing a very fine wine. 5 parcels in Helderberg, Polkadraai & Faure. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) |
In Bond
£365.00 |
||||||
Tim Atkin (98)I’m making this for Syrah fanatics”, says Reenen Borman. Lucky them is all I can say, because this is another stunning release from a brilliant young winemaker. Intense, granitic and spicy, with lovely lavender and garrigue aromas, layers of dark, inky fruit, stylish oak and amazing length. What more do you want from a Syrah? 2020-30 |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
£390.00 |
||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
£340.00 |
||||||
|
The benchmark cuvée from the exceptionally talented Reenen Borman, at the helm of this mythical estate since 2010 - this wine is spoken about in hushed tones amongst experts, critics.
More Info
50% whole-bunch fermentation has given the wine monolithic structure, without a single brick out of place. 25% of the wine was raised in 400 litre oak barrels, imparting gentle seasoning and further fine tannins, whilst the remaining 75% was raised in concrete eggs, preserving the fruit's sensational freshness and impossible purity. Naturally, this wine is infantile due to its quality and structure, but already it displays a mesmeric mélange of violets, dried flowers, herbs and spices on the nose. Positively quivering with energy at this stage, the wine’s acidity shoots like Artemis’ arrow across the palate, losing no momentum through the endless finish. It is hard to overstate the juddering quality of Epilogue – Tim Atkin MW said of the 2017 that it was “now established as one of the Cape’s great Syrahs”... It is now one of the world’s greatest wines. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | 92 (TA) |
In Bond
£120.00 |
||||||
Tim Atkin MW (92)Kottabos is all made with grapes from the Polkadraai area and is a southern Rhône-style blend of Grenache and 40% Syrah, benefiting from 60% whole bunches. Easy drinking and engagingly perfumed, with pot pourri and Turkish Delight aromas, candy floss sweetness and nuanced tannins. 2021-25 |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 3 | 90 (VN) |
In Bond
£192.00 |
||||||
Vinous (90)Bright ruby-red. Sexy, soil-inflected scents of blueberry, tobacco, black tea and spices. Plush, pliant and sweet on the palate, offering considerable immediate appeal and finishing with a fine dusting of tannins and very good length. Not especially complex but delicious and perfumed right now; sweeter and more pliant than the 2013 version but without that wine's lift or tannic clout. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 3 | 91 (VN) |
In Bond
£145.00 |
||||||
Vinous (91)Bright ruby-red. Lovely floral lift to the aromas of blackberry, blueberry, tobacco and licorice. Plush, very ripe aromas of medicinal black cherry, dark berries and licorice. An almost creamy style of Cabernet Franc but with a restrained sweetness. Not hugely deep but finishes with sneaky length. Ultimately more complex and gripping than the 2012 version. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
£180.00 |
||||||
| Coastal Region | 3 | - |
In Bond
£135.00 |
||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | 90 (VN) |
In Bond
£195.00 |
||||||
Vinous (90)Bright ruby-red. Musky aromas of black raspberry, smoke, nuts and coffee. Sweet and supple on the palate, with a pliant texture but not quite the consistency of ripeness as the 2009 version. Dark berry flavors are joined by tobacco, truffle and herbs. Here the tannins are a touch green and less refined than those of the 2009, but the finish is still rich and persistent. |
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| Coastal Region | 3 | 90 (VN) |
In Bond
£185.00 |
||||||
Vinous (90)(15.8% alcohol; Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 7% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc; 40% new French oak): Liqueur-like black cherry, blueberry, mocha and licorice on the nose, along with hints of pepper, fresh herbs and woodsmoke. Hugely ripe, plush and chewy but initially a bit dulled by alcohol. Rich, deep dark berry and chocolate flavors emerged with air. Finishes long, sweet and ripely tannic, with enough acidity to maintain its balance. A major no-holds-barred mouthful of Cabernet. |
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| Coastal Region | 4 | 91 (VN) |
In Bond
£158.00 |
||||||
Vinous (91)Full ruby-red. Brooding aromas of black cherry, cassis and licorice. Rich, sweet, seamless, plush cabernet with an almost chocolatey ripeness as well as a medicinal reserve to its pliant dark berry flavors. Wonderfully creamy, edge-free wine to drink soon or lay down. But will it be as expansive as the 2012? Lots of dusty tannins here. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 3 | - |
In Bond
£140.00 |
||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | 89 (VN) |
In Bond
£44.00 |
||||||
Vinous (89)The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from two parcels, blended with 5% Merlot and matured in 35% new oak for 22 months. The bouquet has an attractive bouquet, quite pure with blackberry, raspberry coulis and light tobacco notes. The palate is medium-bodied with tertiary black fruit, cigar box and a touch of fig, nicely proportioned and classic in style with an almost Bordeaux-like finish. One for those who like a more classic-styled Cabernet. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 4 | 89 (VN) |
In Bond
£120.00 |
||||||
Vinous (89)The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from two parcels, blended with 5% Merlot and matured in 35% new oak for 22 months. The bouquet has an attractive bouquet, quite pure with blackberry, raspberry coulis and light tobacco notes. The palate is medium-bodied with tertiary black fruit, cigar box and a touch of fig, nicely proportioned and classic in style with an almost Bordeaux-like finish. One for those who like a more classic-styled Cabernet. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | 88 (WA) |
In Bond
£145.00 |
||||||
Wine Advocate (88)A full range of fruits can be seen with the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon. Red, black and blue fruit are all present on the nose, with oak tones hiding in the back as well as subtle earth and cigar box aromas. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, dark cherry, cassis and juicy blueberry glide across the mid-palate, showing integrated soft, earthy aromas of leather and inorganic rock, ending with a long finish. This is a pleasing and structured Cabernet with a focused balance. The wine spent 22 months in oak barrels, 35% new. 8,040 bottles were made. |
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| Coastal Region | 2 | - |
In Bond
£44.00 |
||||||
| Coastal Region | 5 | - |
In Bond
£130.00 |
||||||
| Coastal Region | 3 | 91 (VN) |
In Bond
£130.00 |
||||||
Vinous (91)Bright yellow-gold. Deep, complex aromas of yellow fruits, smoke and honey, lifted by a subtle note of white flowers. At once dense, smooth and light on its feet, showing a fruitier personality and an airier texture than the 2015, not to mention an element of saline minerality. Here the oak influence gives shape to the wine and draws out its tactile finish. This may go truffley in its golden years. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 16 | 88 (WA) |
In Bond
£95.00 |
||||||
Wine Advocate (88)A clean and refreshing Chenin with classic citrus tones, the 2017 Chenin Blanc was 100% barrel fermented with natural yeasts. On the palate, the wine is consistent with nose and has a good structure, showing clean, correct citrus along with soft, just-ripe stone fruits and white flowers. Medium-bodied, the wine ends clean and crisp with a moderate to long finish. Just over 10,000 bottles were made. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 9 | - |
In Bond
£110.00 |
||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£400.00 |
||||||
Vinous (93)(a blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot and 13% shiraz; 15% alcohol): Medium ruby. Rather reticent aromas of spices, dark chocolate and licorice. Dense and very ripe but juicy, with a lively acid backbone currently suppressing the brooding dark berry and licorice flavors. Finishes with very ripe, dusty tannins and palate-staining persistence. This powerfully concentrated wine needs several years of additional bottle aging. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 2 | 91 (VN) |
In Bond
£380.00 |
||||||
Vinous (91)(15% alcohol; 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 14% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Franc; aged in 100% new French oak): Full ruby-red. Lively aromas of dark plum, currant, coffee and mocha complicated by an herbal/peppery aspect and a note of menthol. Suave and smooth in the mouth, with currant, plum and spice flavors complicated by subtle hints of underbrush, truffle and menthol. Conveys a lovely impression of slow ripening. This plush, full, satisfying Cabernet finishes with big but ripe tannins and subtle persistence, and without obvious heat. |
|||||||||
| Coastal Region | 1 | 91 (VN) |
In Bond
£300.00 |
||||||
Vinous (91)(15.5% alcohol): Saturated bright ruby. Pungent aromas of blackberry, cassis, spices, violet and peppery herbs, along with some exotic chocolatey oak notes. Plush, velvety wine with some high tones of dried herbs. Wonderfully broad and concentrated, although some will find this a bit herbal. Finishes very long, with serious dusty tannins and surprising energy and lift. There's no rush to drink this blend; as sweet as it is, there's good spine and structural support here for further development in bottle. |
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| Coastal Region | 6 | 90 (WA) |
In Bond
£298.00 |
||||||
Wine Advocate (90)The 2012 Elevation 393 is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine spent 23 months in new French oak and underwent spontaneous fermentation. The nose begins with complex dark fruits, smoky tones with a black spice and a fine dusty minerality, which Stellenbosch typically lends to a wine. There are bitter black tea and herbal notes that are expressed over the mid-palate and meshes well with the dark fruit and spice notes here. The finish is long and full-bodied, with a tight tannic grip. 3,504 bottles were bottled by hand, unfiltered and unfined. |
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| Coastal Region | 3 | 89+ (VN) |
In Bond
£134.00 |
||||||
Vinous (89+)Good full, dark red. Varietally expressive aromas of redcurrant, plum, wild herbs, milk chocolate and truffle. Densely packed dark berry, bitter chocolate and licorice flavors are complicated by truffle, herbs and a hint of tar. Finishes with a firm tannic spine and very good length. This very young merlot needs a few years in bottle to gain in pliancy. |
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| Coastal Region | 2 | 88 (VN) |
In Bond
£180.00 |
||||||
Vinous (88)(15.3% alcohol; aged for 18 months in 35% new French oak): Good dark red. Musky, slightly wild, almost Syrah-like nose hints at mocha, woodsmoke and pepper. Very smooth and very dry, offering subtle red berry, woodsmoke and pepper flavors. A bit too woodsmoky for my taste but there's no denying the wine's silky middle palate. A serious dusting of tannins currently cuts off the fruit of this savory Merlot, giving the persistent finish a faint dryness. |
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