Critics Ratings

‘The nose is complex, showing red and black berries, some leafiness and even a touch of mint to go with the forest floor character you expect on an older wine. Nothing too fragile about the palate – the fruit remains quite succulent and the acidity fresh although the tannins are nicely resolved at this stage. The finish, meanwhile, has a lovely coolness about it indicative of this wine’s Durbanville origins.’ - Christian Eedes, 95/100 (Apr 2022)

‘Slight sweetness and rounded tannins, not quite the fine structure of the ‘66, with more fudgy red fruit and a cool minty touch. Brilliant acidity holds vibrancy to the wine, and makes it look light and ethereal. Impressive, just a nudge below the ‘66.’ - Higgo Jacobs (Apr 2022)

‘Bright maroon, slight bricking. Massive, spicy aromatic, but better on the nose than on the palate, where flavor is Rhône-like and broad (rather than profound and multilayered), with an elegant, refined finish.’ – Michael Fridjhon, 18/20

‘Private bottling. Never commercially available. Michael Fridjhon didn’t think this one of the best bottles – quite a bit of bottle variation. Remarkably dark colour. Rich garnet-brick core. A little minty and herbal and some liquorice, perfumed tobacco. Leathery sweetness on the palate. A little bit tough at the end and slightly metallic on the finish but remarkably youthful and still so much fruit. Coffee and spice on the finish. Tannins and fresh acidity still giving structure and shape.’ - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20

Provenance

The Distell Tabernacle - Stellenbosch