Critics Ratings

'A blend of 44% Cinsaut, 37% Grenache and 19% Syrah at 13% Abv, this wine sings a lofty melodic chorus the moment the cork is pulled. The riper, dryer vintage evidently plays to the strengths of these red varieties with the most seductive perfumed nose of parma violets, sweet cherry blossom, bathroom soaps, rose petals and potpourri sweet spice. The brilliance of this wine lies in the synergy created marrying the vibrant marzipan laden Cinsaut with the sappy, mineral, red fruited Grenache, leaving the Syrah to lend a tantalising depth of structure and peppery savouriness. The palate is so seamless, harmonious and elegant with sweet boiled raspberry bon bons, red current herbal tea infusions, ripe cranberries, and a crunchy, vibrant, strawberry fruited finale. Such sweet, silky, fleshy tannins linger on a creamy, opulent, energetic finish. Perhaps less of the exotic, crunchy hubris of the 2015, but the 2016 is certainly a far more self assured, confident red wine that looks set to once and for all, cement its global icon status as one of the truly great fine wines to follow, year in, year out. Drink now to 2030+.’ - Greg Sherwood MW, 95+/100

‘Duncan Savage has released his 2016 before his 2015 because the latter is “so tight”. This assemblage of mostly Stellenbosch Syrah with Grenache, Cinsaut and Touriga Nacional, fermented with 10% whole bunches, is certainly more forward and easy to drink, with violet and rose petal aromas, slightly jammy fruit and some clove spice and underlying grip. 2019-23’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 93/100

‘Mostly Stellenbosch grapes for 2016 shiraz (88%) & dashes grenache, cinsaut. Similar ‘feminine’ styling & perfumed white pepper of 2014 (90 pts). No 2015. Open fermenters for the reds, 10% whole cluster unless noted; wild yeasts for all.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (93/100)

Provenance

Private Client