Provenance

Producer

Critics Ratings

2016
'Named for two blocks on the farm. Unmistakeably cool-climate, as perfumed intensity of fresh black fruits, compact build, bracing, steely but ripely firm grape tannins on 2016 reveal. Flavoursome & richly textured flesh brings whole into balance. Natural ferment in open oak vats; 21 months on lees in barriques, 25% new. Deserves years in bottle.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2020, 4.5* (94/100)

'Vibrant mid-garnet colour. Pure nose of mature, cool-climate Cabernet - a herbaceous scent I do not encounter that often in this era of ever-warmer summers. There is some fruit here to counterbalance the acidity and some leafy aromas. Fresh, perfumed, sweet wine that's nicely in balance. Well done! Even if it's slightly skinnier than the Cabernet mainstream nowadays.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16/20 (Nov 2020)

'This South African red could outshine more than one Médoc vintage. The nose is superb; notes of graphite, crème de cassis, black truffle, with magnificent oak. The palate is delicate, its creamy envelope woven with an incredible mineral intensity. Already delicious, it can be aged for at least 20 years.' - La Revue du Vin de France, 2020 - 19/20. (Highest rated SA red wine, tie with Columella 2017).

'It takes courage to grow Cabernet Sauvignon in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, but Craig Wessels' two sites, both planted in 1998 but with different soil types and exposures, consistently deliver the goods. This is lighter and more forward than the 2015 - it could almost be a Cabernet Franc - with graphite and black cherry flavours and filigree tannins.' - Tim Atkin SA Special Report, 95/100

2017
'From two cab blocks on the farm. 2017 riper than 2016 (4.5 stars, 94 pts) but beautifully proportioned, fresh & dry. There's more flesh, succulence in the soft, dark-berried flavours, restrained by insistent grape tannins for lengthy maturation. Enticing cedar scents. French oak, 20% new, gives final polish.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2021, 5* (95/100)

'Picked as late as May 7th in 2017 - surely the last in the country - this brilliant, cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon is a one-off. Leafy, pure and alluringly aromatic, it has a wonderful combination of freshness, depth and intensity, fine-boned tannins, fresh acidity and layers of cassis and black cherry flavour and complexity. The oak is expertly done. 2022-29' - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2020, 95/100

'Matured for 21 months in French oak, 20% new. The nose shows black and blue fruit, a leafy note and tilled earth. The palate is rich, full and relatively smooth in texture - plenty of dense, seemingly sweet fruit upfront (although technically dry with a residual sugar of 1.93g/l) before a finish that is long and savoury. At 14.5% alcohol, this is the showiest of recent vintages.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100 (Nov 2020)

'The 2017 Main Road & Dignity comes from 1.59 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon vines planted in 1999 on granite soils. The enticing bouquet features blackberry, raspberry and light menthol scents; a touch of garrigue (wild fennel and thyme) emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a cool, slightly herbaceous entry (mint and wild thyme again), beautiful balance and gentle grip. There is a savory, briny element to this Cabernet, and fine length on the finish. Excellent. 7,973 bottles produced.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 91/100 (Oct 2020)