Critics Ratings

'Full medium red. Sexy, inviting aromas of raspberry and dark chocolate complicated by subtle smoke and spice notes. Intensely flavored and piquant, but today the wine's red plum, raspberry and spice flavors show a distinct edge of acidity. Finishes juicy and firmly tannic. This is impressively energetic for its age but still needs more time in bottle for its concentrated fruit to meld with its structural elements. The Ashbourne wines are made by Anthony Hamilton Russell and his winemaker Hannes Storm. Hard to judge today.' - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 90+/100 (Apr 2015)

'The 2009 Hemel en Aarde Valley is a blend of 86% Pinotage, 3.5% of each of the Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot all raised in French oak for 14 months, half new. It has a more harmonious bouquet compared directly with the previous vintage, with lifted dark cherries, licorice, star anise and a touch of garrigue. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe, slightly chewy tannins. There acidity is taut and crisp, cutting through the quite assertive, masculine blackberry and raspberry fruit. It feels tightly wound toward the finish and deserves 2-3 years in bottle.' - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 90/100 (Oct 2014)

'2009 in elegant, ‘claret’ style, though pinotage-led with cab, 3 other Bordeaux varieties accounting for just 14%. Perhaps less concentration than 2008 (4.5 stars) but oak, tannin trim in balance with fresh raspberry, cassis flavours.' - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2015, 4*

Provenance

Restaurant Mosaic