Critics Ratings

1994 - 'The 1994 displays only slight bricking on the rim, and the bouquet is better than you will find in most clarets of this vintage, offering a mélange of raspberry coulis wild strawberry, cedar and thyme. It blossoms with aeration over the course of three hours, developing tertiary and terra-cotta scents. The palate nods to Bordeaux but is unashamedly South African, delivering the lushness of the Cape with the structure and depth of Bordeaux. Layers of mainly red berry fruit intermingle with sage, thyme, cedar and tobacco, building and fanning out toward the sweet, fleshy finish. The wine is so vivacious that it could easily mature for another 25 years.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 95/100 (Oct 2019)

1995 - 'Seems only just to be lifting the hem of the fruit – still very savoury and concentrated. Full body, concentrated and aromatic, with medicinal and iodine character. Bitter notes to finish.’ – Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Sep 2018)

1996 - 'Impressive for its age, with plenty of raspberry and blackberry fruit still showing, helping to offset the heavy dose of smoke and toast. Picks up a chocolate note on the muscular finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 89/100 (2000)

1997 - 'Saturated ruby. Tight nose hints at blackberry, cranberry, violet and eucalyptus. Dense, concentrated and uncompromisingly dry, with thorough ripe flavors of cassis and dark chocolate. Quite sophisticated wine; a distinct step up from the '96, which was strong in context of that difficult year. Finishes with very subtle dark fruit and floral flavors and fine tannins. Another '97 that should develop slowly and gracefully. Almost sure to merit a 90-plus rating with time in bottle.' - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 89+/100 (Jan 2001)

1998 - 'Sappy, primary aromas of blackberry, raspberry, bitter chocolate, brown sugar and minerals. Wonderfully dense and deep, with superb underlying structure giving the berry, mineral and coffee flavors great definition and grip. Outstanding building aftertaste features firm, suave tannins and compelling, sappy fruit and mineral traces. A knockout wine from a wonderfully rich red wine vintage for South Africa.' - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 92/100 (Mar 2003)

Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client