Can Stellenbosch Cabernet be that varied / interesting and considered world class?
The answer is, yes! This week I attended an online webinar which showcased an array of premium Stellenbosch Cabernets ranging from £20 to £48. I must admit before I had done this tasting I tended to view Stellenbosch Cabernets as very powerful, big tannins, sometimes quite impressive but all fairly similar. Boy was I wrong and boy did the amazing value surprise me!
What to expect from Stellenbosch Cabernet?
It’s not the same as your aristocratic Bordeaux. BUT – if you are looking for intense flavours of dark blackcurrant, satisfyingly assertive tannin which I like to soften with age, an affinity for floral perfume as well as scrubland spice and ability for a Havana tobacco kiss on the finish – well then this could be the Cab for you!
Due to the diverse sites; amazing range of soils (over 20), incredible elevation (some of the mountains go up to 550 metres), plus a huge amount of dedication to Cabernet research on the winemaker’s part, Stellenbosch is making the most impressive Cabernet in its history. Cabernets which are full of intoxicating arrays of flavour and perfume but which are also a fraction of the cost compared to other premium international Cab counterparts.
To set you off on your Cabernet adventure I have chosen 4 examples which can complement an array of moods and experiences. There is a reason why this is the number 1 grape planted in the world – it really is so adaptable and consistently joy inducing!
Would love to know which one appeals most to you….
JUST ONE HEADS UP : these I would decant for at least 30 mins to 1hr. I adore the complexity and range of tannins which you get from Stellenbosch Cabernets BUT these wines are still fairly young and therefore need a chance to chill / open up in order to properly show off!
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The Long Fuse, Jordan Wine Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018
Available at Slurp and Ex Cellar for £20
Aka The Young Gun!
Sprite on its feet, I just love how fresh, juicy and bright this Cab is. This is mainly due to the vineyards being 14 km away from the ocean. It exudes redcurrant and cherry flower on the nose which then turns in to dark plum, a slight lick of tangy vanilla yoghurt on the tongue which is then held in shape by a steely graphite backbone. Two days later this wine has taken on more of the vanilla spice but the pure brightness and juicy tannins are going strong. This wine is also an impressive 13.5% alc which means you can easily enjoy a couple of glasses regardless of the weather or work/ child constraints the next day!
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Le Riche, Reserve Cabernet 2018
Available at Handford Wines or Cellar Selected for £37
Aka The Discerning Hedonist
I just fell in love with the intoxicating perfume of clove and blood orange in this wine. The blood orange transfers itself to the palate alongside mulled dark fruit, a subtle sprinkling of mocha but also plenty of sweet herbal freshness. Apparently this is from the local scubland grown there called fynbos. This wine you would definitely need to decant in order to appreciate the fine graininess of tannins which softens with time. However the patient will be rewarded!
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Rust En Vrede, Estate Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Available at The Drink Show for £20
Aka The Seductive Smokeshow
This wine is such a fab combo of redcurrant / blackcurrant fruit pastille puity mixed with sumptuous spicy sandalwood and tobacco. So moreish and coquettish. Enjoy on its own, grilled beef/ lamb, dark chocolate or a Havana cigar. You really couldn’t ask for a better companion!
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21 Gables, Spier Wine Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Available as Magnum only at Laithwaites & Averys £48
Aka The Party Wine
I was so happy to hear that this wine was ONLY available in MAGNUM in the UK!! What a great USP and what a fantastic choice of wine to bring to a party or a dinner. It bursts forth flavours of mulled dark plums, plush milk chocolate, alluring vanilla notes, Christmas time spices but is also well balanced with great acidity. This really is a hug in a glass which you want to serve to someone with a hug! Bring a bottle of this to a festive gathering and you will guarantee a smile on everyone’s face. You really can’t help yourself!