Critics Ratings

‘Full bright red-ruby. Complex, aromatic nose of red- and blackcurrant, plum, currant leaf and spicy, nutty oak, with complicating iron and leather nuances. Sweet and rich but also juicy and fresh, with underlying minerality framing the wine's fruit. Finishes with dusty, fine tannins and excellent breadth and persistence.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com (March 2003), 90/100

‘Maybe not as flash, not as headline grabbing as its siblings, but as venerable as the (average) 32 yr old vines supplying its grapes. Newer, earlier-ripening, heatwave-shunning clones assist in retaining balance, especially in ripe harvests like big 98. Smouldering Simonsberg smokiness unveils super mouthful of ripe (not blowsy) cassis fruit/nuts interwoven with supple, clearly ripe tannins. Lovely length, measured, balanced, treading middle road between sinous old style and new. 13% alc. 24 months 225L Nevers, 50/50 new/2^nd fill.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2002, 4*

'Lovely nose, a real Bordeaux style, lovely meatiness and savour, with some animal character that is beguiling, dried blood and cedary black fruit. The palate has a lovely mid-palate juiciness and medium bodied sophistication. It finishes with a slightly dry finish - not dried out but a mouth-watering dry edge with good acids and a tight, savoury appeal.' - Tom Cannavan, wine-pages.com, 91/100 (Jan 2012)

Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client