Critics Ratings

‘Fine Bordeaux-style blend, one of few undoubted Cape classics – with recent yrs showing modern touches to classicism. Vinified traditionally, like all these, in open fermenters. 01’s 64% cabernet less than usual 80%; with equal amounts cabernet franc & merlot. From first sniff, obvious claims to illustrate lineage: violets, tea-leaf, black berries, presented subtly & superbly. Finely structured & balanced palate, strongly elegant, with succulent acidity & silky tannins, plentiful understated fruit. 26 mths new Fr oak will knit. Few more years will bring harmony, heralding rewarding, lengthy maturity.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2005, 4.5*

‘(a blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc and 15% merlot) Deep red-ruby. Pure, nuanced nose offers bitter cherry, plum, cedar, minerals and sweet tobacco; more complex and elegant than the straight cabernet. Then lush and smooth but at the same time vinous and penetrating, conveying an impression of strong extract. Not at all a sweet style despite its super ripe berry flavors, but this is smooth, sappy and serious. Finishes with terrific length and verve, with lush, broad tannins. (A bottle I tasted at the winery at the end of August was much tighter on the finish, but of equally high quality.) Very classy wine.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com (March 2005), 92+/100

Provenance

Wine Cellar