Critics Ratings

‘Very much a wine that is built to last, this is ripe, tannic and intense, combining cut grass and green herb aromas with lots of cedarwood, cigar box and structured dark berry fruit.Cabernet Sauvignon leads the way, supported by 31% Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Possibly just a little figgy on the finish. 2022-29’– Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 94/100

‘Deep ruby-black. Compact nose of graphite, toasted bread, wood-toast, vanilla fudge and dried tobacco. The fruit is broad-spectrum, ripe black fruit, giving a hint of cassis, but is more than that – truly a blend. Sleek and precise on the palate, with a floral, blueberry liqueur component that gives way to oak smoke and savoury spiciness. The tannins build but there’s nothing unripe or over-extracted here. Very, very well-made and will reward cellaring before broaching. Bordeaux meets South Africa indeed.’ – Tim Jackson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Oct 2021)

‘The 2015 Lady May is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot and offers up aromas of roasted coffee bean, mocha, fried sage, blackberry reduction and elements of rosemary blossom. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is mineral driven with flavors of dusty cherry, black plum and blackberry skin that sway with elements of bitter dark chocolates and rosemary before giving way to youthful tannins. These youthful tannins mean that this needs additional time in bottle to come around. The wine concludes with a long-lingering and food-friendly finish.’ - Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 91/100

‘The 2015 Lady May, retasted after several months, has a perfumed bouquet that is no longer disjointed as I found before, offering black plum and bilberry fruit, touches of peppermint coming through with aeration. The fresh, vibrant palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, blackberry and strawberry laced with cedar and mint, and still sappy on the finish. A fine Lady May that should drink well for 12–15 years.’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100 (Apr 2021)

‘Still finishing in bottle, winemaker Luke O'Cuinneagain says this vintage won't be released until late 2021 (or perhaps even 2022 if Covid-19 delays things further), but that extra time will only benefit what is a 'textbook' vintage. It's hard to believe that the vines were only 10 years old for this wine, such is its power and concentration. Compared to the 91% Cabernet Sauvignon of 2008, this vintage is now 69%, with 13% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot – a blend O'Cuinneagain thinks is 'about perfect'. Tight and closed still, with chewy tannins, crisp acidity and lots of cedar oak. Muscular black and blue fruit lurks behind along with iron shavings. All the elements for a great wine, with fine ageing potential.’ - Tina Gellie, Decanter.com, 95/100 (Aug 2020)

Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client