Winemaker Notes
Deep crimson red. Distinctive aromas of crème de cassis, Black Forest gateaux and sandalwood give way to subtle vanilla and nutmeg spice. Chalky, fine grained tannins reveal the structure of the blend and provide a rounded mouth feel. Flavors of black cherry and toast are balanced by well-integrated acidity. Restrained on the palate, showing some potential for aging, with a soft, savory finish.
Blend: 59% Cabernet Sauvignon 32% Syrah, 9% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
A supple, finely meshed red, layering plush tannins with a profile of crushed black cherry, ripe black and red currant, cured tobacco and smoke. Lively on the palate and long on the finish, echoing the pure fruit and accents of star anise and espresso. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
South Africa’s most famous wine-producing district, Stellenbosch, surrounds the historic town with the same name; fine winemaking here dates back to the late 1600s. Its valleys of granite, sandstone and alluvial loam soils between the towering blue-grey mountains of Stellenbosch, Simonsberg and Helderberg have the capacity to produce beautiful wines from many varieties. The climate is warm Mediterranean, tempered by the cool Atlantic air of nearby False Bay.
Perhaps most well-known for its Pinotage and Bordeaux blends, Stellenbosch also produces noteworthy wines from Syrah, Chenin blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc. The district’s wards—Banghoek, Bottelary, Devon Valley, Jonkershoek Valley, Papegaaiberg, Polkadraai Hills and Simonsberg-Stellenbosch—all produce distinctive wines from vines with relatively low yields.