Critics Ratings

2004:
‘There's an inviting nose of crushed plum and sweet cigar smoke on this rich, muscular red, which shows tar, mineral, plum sauce and bittersweet cocoa notes. Despite its power, this stays fleshy and pure on the lengthy finish, where more mineral and tobacco notes really stretch out. Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2010.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Apr 2007)

'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, 94+/100

2005:
‘A large wine, with layers of fig, espresso, bittersweet cocoa and loam, all carried by a dense, gravelly undertow. The long finish lets dark tobacco and fig notes linger, while the minerality lurks in the background. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot. Drink now through 2013.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Apr 2008)

2006:
‘Very slightly herbal on the nose. Rich, thick soft chocolatey tannins. Extremely smooth and a slight floral note on the mid palate. Lovely freshness. Natural, earthy flavours. Some cedary notes. Fine and fresh. Dry, fine-grained tannins on the finish and velvety length. The fine herbal fresh note on the nose is really important for the overall balance. There seems to be a focus on getting the best expression of the varieties rather than on expressing a specific origin and Mzokhona Mvemve confirms that they seek out the best pockets of fruit for each variety.’ - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (May 2009)

‘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, 95+/100

'Classier than 2005, 2006 is a classically composed blend of 5 Bdx varieties, led by cab. Svelte & seamless, velvety dark fruit & choc underscored by deft cedary oak & finely tuned tannins. Wonderfully elegant & ageworthy.' – Platter's SA Wine Guide 2009, 4.5*

2007:
‘Still very dark crimson and showing little sign of age. Cedary cassis, very youthful and scented with dark fruit on the mid palate. Juicy, moreish and very youthful. Deliciously satisfying – big but not heavy.’ - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Oct 2012)

‘Densely packed, but well-defined, thanks to finely beaded acidity that stitches together notes of red licorice, damson plum, blackberry preserve and maduro tobacco. Rich, but shows excellent cut on the finish, thanks to a bright floral hint. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Nov 2010)

'Cab f leads 07’s 5-way Bdx red; dense core of black cherries & violets controled by muscular cedary tannin (2 yrs Fr oak, half new) & acidity. A young thoroughbred, deserves cellaring.' -Platter's SA Wine Guide 2010, 4.5*

2008:
‘I was pleased to re-taste the 2008 MR de Compostella over lunch at High Timber restaurant in London. Served blind, I identified the wine and producer, but guessed a younger vintage because of its youthfulness. Indeed, it had hardly aged since I tasted it in 2011. 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 one-third new oak, it retains a limpid ruby hue with little ageing. The Cabernet Franc occupies the driving seat on the nose with plush but beautifully defined red fruit laced with rose petals, iodine (from the Petit Verdot?) and a scintilla of blueberry. Over the period of two hours, it gains more delineation and focus. The palate is beautifully balanced, as fresh as it was several years ago, that sweet core of red fruit, raspberry and cranberry, in situ with refined tannins and a seamless, almost melted and slightly ferrous finish that belies the structure. This has a 30-year lifespan and it’s only now beginning to show what it is capable of. If you cannot find what you’re looking for in the forthcoming en primeur releases, this alternative will give just as much pleasure.’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 96/100 (May 2021)

‘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, Wine Advocate, 96/100 (Aug 2011)

2009:
‘Raats told me that the 2009 MR de Compostella is made by the combination of 16 or 17 different batches from different terroirs that are all assessed completely blind. The Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon all came with same score which is why they are equal components in the blend, which is: 25% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 12.5% Petit Verdot and 12.5% Merlot and raised in new and used oak for 24 months. Is it a worthy follow-up to the 2008? You bet it is. Reticent at first, it unfurls like a burlesque dancer on a go-slow protest to reveal blackberry, fennel, warm gravel and a touch of mint that is beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, unimposing tannins that allow the crisp blackberry and wild strawberry fruit to really shine, while the finish has superb minerality and delineation. It is not quite as immediate as the 2008, but certainly it is one of South Africa’s finest wines and should repay considerable cellaring. Go seek and marvel. Drink 2014-2025.’ - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 96/100 (Dec 2012)

‘Deep crimson, inky core. Lovely fresh, mildly herbaceous cassis fruit. Very very fine tannins framing sweet black fruit. Powerful but refined.’ – Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Oct 2012)

'Breakaway from cab franc dominance in 2009 makes absorbing, complex mouthful (& step up from 2008 (4.5 stars)). Alternates between powerful & elegant, intense cherry/berry notes supported by seamless tannins & hints of spice. Equal malbec & cabs franc & sauvignon, dashes petit verdot & merlot, made to last.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2013, 5*

‘Bright ruby-red. Vibrant if laid-back aromas of blackberry, licorice, mocha, chocolate, graphite and pepper. Rich, plush and hugely concentrated, with a remarkably silky texture to the plum, dark berry and spice flavors. This classically dry, compellingly deep wine spreads out and builds on the finish, which features sound acidity and big, broad, dusty tannins. Delivers a rare combination of power and class.’ - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 93/100 (May 2013)

2011:
‘The 2011 MR de Compostella comes from separately vinified parcels that are assessed blind after 12 months, the highest rated barrels spending another 12 months in wood, a tripartite mixture of new, one and two-year-old oak. It has a seductive bouquet that is beautifully defined: blackberry, raspberry and blueberry fruit wrapped up in judicious new oak and hints of cedar and sandalwood that come through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp red berries, soy and hints of spice. It is perfectly controlled with more finesse on the finish than the twenty odd South African samples I tasted before this. To sum up this wine in two words: world class. Ignore at your own risk.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Oct 2013)

2012:
‘The latest release is the 2012 MR de Compostella, which this year is a blend of 28% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 18% Petit Verdot and 10% Merlot, each grape variety assessed blind after one year in barrel before the final blend was made. In total it spent 22 months in barrel of which one-third is new French oak, the remainder second and third-fill. It has an exquisite bouquet with mineral-laden dark berries and cassis fruit that come across so natural and refined. Who said South Africa cannot do elegance? The palate is very well defined, supple and cohesive with just a touch of white pepper that lend tension and verve on the finish. This is one of the best vintages I have tasted...so far. Exceptional.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 96/100 (Oct 2014)

'Masterly 2012 maintains recent form in 5-way cab franc-dominated (just) Bordeaux blend. Waves of black fruit, soft cedar & perfumed spice, velvety tannins, polish, vanilla – all with wonderful texture & length at the finish. Benchmark Cape wine.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2015, 4.5*

2013:
‘A more or less equal blend of the five red Bordeaux varieties, each of them grown on different soil types, this is as refined and concentrated as ever in 2013. Black fruits, fresh tea, mint and cassis with sweet vanilla oak: the balance is very impressive, as are the polished, fine grained tannins. Drink: 2015-22’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 95/100

‘A Cape benchmark, powerful yet elegant cab franc-led 5-way Bordeaux blend, like ’12. Aromas richly mis cassis, dark chocolate & undergrowth, echoing on a palate that’s muscular but focused & athletic, ready now & toned to go the distance.’ – Platter's SA Wine Guide 2016, 5*

2014:
‘Classically conceived Cape Boardeaux blend, a benchmark in SA for the style. Led by Cab Franc, the other 4 varieties supporting. ’14 subdued & restrained; elegant cassis, black fruit, cedar & charming leafiness, with understated oak in perfect harmony.’ – Platter's SA Wine Guide 2017, 5*

‘Richly layered, but suave rather than bombastic, with fine-grained tannins giving subtle support to the core of warm cassis, raspberry coulis and plum confiture notes. Offers a gorgeous backdrop of smoldering tobacco, presenting a loamy echo through the finish. Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2018 through 2024.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Dec 2016)

2015:
‘The 2015 MV de Compostella spent 12 months in barrel before each variety was blended, then another 12 months in barrel including 33% new French oak. It has a beautifully defined bouquet of blackberry, burnt toast, brown spice and light pencil lead aromas that gain intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh blackberry and bilberry fruit, a killer line of acidity and the sense of symmetry that imbues the best MVs I have tasted over the years. It remains one of the Cape’s finest red wines.’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 96/100 (Aug 2018)

‘This is the eleventh vintage of this outstanding Bordeaux style blend and it may well be the best yet. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon based, with some Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec completing the line up, it’s a floral, scented, finely crafted delight, showing stylish oak, filigree tannins and layers of mocha, graphite, green herbs and dark, refreshing fruit. Drink 2019-28’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 96/100

2016:
‘“Our idea is to make a consistent, world class ultra premium wine,” says Bruwer Raats of MR de Compostella, the wine he makes with Mzokhona Mvemve. No one would deny that they’ve succeeded. Year after year, this Cabernet Sauvignon-based red blend is close to the top of the pile. Built to last, this is an ambitious, stylish, polished wine with restrained power, fine tannins and scented oak. 2022-35’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 95/100

2017:
‘The highly anticipated MR de Compostella 2017 red blend is composed of 43% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. A very deep garnet-purple colour, the nose chimes with the beautiful aromatics of the Cabernet fruits, both Franc and Sauvignon. Superbly bright and lifted, this classy wine reveals attractive perfumed notes of cherry blossom, violets, lilacs and fresh rose petals underpinned by seductive chocolate coated red cherries, crème de cassis, sweet sappy sandalwood spice, bay leaves, fresh pencil shavings and crushed granite rocks. On the palate, the wine is more medium bodied but very refined striking an instant resemblance to the perfumed precision and seductive caressing texture of a Chateau Margaux first growth Bordeaux. There is power, there is intensity and there is focus aplenty but it is all delivered with such majestic elegance and finessed structure to be awe inspiring. Super fine and minerally tightly focused, the vivacious palate shows layers of cigar box, maraschino cherry, crushed black berries, cedar spice and fine-grained mineral sandy tannins. Already possessing incredible poise and focus, this wine shows clarity of purpose and an attention to detail very rarely seen on South African red wines. With little to no perceptible oak character, this impressive blend finishes with a very long, minerally accented persistence that is both compelling and incredibly pretty. A profound wine of beauty and certainly this winery’s most noteworthy release since its blockbuster 2015. Cellar for another 5 years from release and drink over the next 30+ years.’ - Greg Sherwood MW, 98+/100 (Aug 2019)

2018:
‘The 2018 MR de Compostella is a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It presents a compelling bouquet of blackberry, charcoal, cedar and tobacco, all showing wonderful delineation and focus. But it is not the most flamboyant on the nose compared to other vintages; this takes its time to open at a stately pace. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, perfectly judged acidity, a silky-smooth texture and an utterly harmonious, complex finish. Residues of allspice and clove linger on the long aftertaste. Brilliant.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 97/100 (Jul 2021)

‘Given that there won’t be a 2019 release, fans of this rightly celebrated, high-quality Bordeaux style red from Bruwer Raats and Mzokona Mvemve should stock up. Boasting the highest ever percentage of Cabernet Franc, with 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot, it's an elegant, leafy, refined red with subtle one-third new wood, silky tannins, sweet spices and a long, floral, graceful finish. 2024-35’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 96/100

2020:
‘The 2020 MR de Compostella is a blend of 30% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 16% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot matured in 1st, 2nd and 3rd fill barrels for 24 months. It has a stunning nose with effortlessly pure black cherry, boysenberry and raspberry fruit, seamlessly interlaced with the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with an intense opening, layers of red fruit, spicebox, cracked black pepper and graphite. There is a huge structure to this Compostella but with immense salinity and finesse on the finish. It will need three to four years in bottle, but it is a tremendous wine (again).’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 97/100 (Aug 2022)

‘Bright garnet. Much mellower on the palate than the Raats Jasper 2020 tasted alongside. Really nicely balanced for current drinking. Great vivacity and a fully integrated blend with a Cabernet signature and perfume and no excess sweetness of oak. Long. Impressive. I see that in the past I have found young examples of this wine pretty embryonic but this 2020 is already pretty gorgeous. Just a shame about the bottle weight!’ - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Jan 2023)

‘This had been bottled a few days before I tasted it, but it was already showing its class and pedigree. Inky, concentrated yet refined, it's a seamless cuvée of Cabernet Franc with 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 16% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot framed by 15% new wood. Mocha, cassis and blueberry flavours are complemented by hints of graphite and fynbos, with fleshy tannins and a bright, acid-driven finish. 2024-32’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2022, 95/100

Provenance

Producer