Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A prominent minty, herbal overtone introduces the nose of this lush, layered wine, expressed in pronounced waves of fresh fynbos, bay leaf and rooibos. It's bold and well structured on the palate, with firm yet appropriate tannins that lend superb structure to the ripe black fruit flavors. The finish provides wonderful evolution, from ripe fruit to wood spice and finally landing on more of those initial mentholated herb notes that drew you in from the start.
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Wine Spectator
Full-bodied, with ripe currant and blackberry fruit, underscored by vibrant acidity and firm, chewy tannins. This is quite polished, showing a charming mouthfeel, but needs more time for the tannins to integrate. Should develop nicely. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2023 through 2033.
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.