Critics Ratings

2004 - 'An incredibly dense, dark, youthful wine that obviously has benefitted from being made in one of the best red wine vintages in several decades at the time. Full and broad, the wine retains freshness, complexity, creamy dense dark fruits and a long vital finish. Tannins are starting to resolve but certainly this wine has another 20+ years ahead of it. Very impressive debut.' - Greg Sherwood MW 2019, 94+/100.

2005 - 'From a warm dry vintage, the 2005s were perhaps lauded more highly across the industry under the halo of another very fine vintage in the northern hemisphere and Bordeaux in particular. While many are maturing and losing a bit of lustre, this 2005 certainly shines, retaining a sleek structure, sweet ripe black brambly fruits and plenty of youthful elegance and freshness. Drinking well now but will certainly cellar for 10+ more years easily.' - Greg Sherwood MW 2019, 94/100

2006 - 'From another block buster vintage, 2006 was good for whites and reds and this wine really is shining at the moment. Dense, concentrated but weightlessly intense, this wine has lovely mineral tannins, a full, sleek silky mouthfeel and a general aura of distinguished elegance. Certainly no rush here at all. Lovely wine.' - Greg Sherwood MW 2019, 95+/100

2007 - ‘The 2007 MR de Compostella was apparently the most backward of all the vintages according to Bruwer and only began to open last year. It has a wonderful bouquet, perhaps more complex than the previous two vintages: harmonious and focused with very pure black fruit mixed with melted tar and violets. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, crisp acidity and subtle notes of dark chocolate and mint on the deft finish. This is a long-term wine and perhaps the first bona fide classic.’ - Neal Martin 93/100, Wine Advocate, (2010)

2008 - ‘A blend of 37.5% Cabernet Franc, 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 7.5% Petit Verdot and 7.5% Merlot aged for 24 months in 1/3 new oak barrels, the sensational 2008 De Compostella has a very pure, seductive nose that carries that oak discretely, displaying the intensity of precision of a top quality Claret. The palate is medium bodied with very fine tannins, very fresh and seductive with a beautifully polished, seamless finish that is simply world-class. This sensual, consummate Bordeaux blend should age gracefully over a decade. Bravo! Drink 2014-2025.’ - Neal Martin 96/100, Wine Advocate (2011)

2009 – Alternates between powerful & elegant, intense cherry/berry notes supported by seamless tannins & hints of spice. Equal Cab Franc, Malbec & Sauvignon, dashes Petit Verdot & Merlot, made to last’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2013, 5*

‘One of South Africa’s finest wines and should repay considerable cellaring. Go seek and Marvel.’ Neal Martin, Wine Advocate 96/100

Provenance

Producer