Provenance

Producer

Critics Ratings

2014
'Leafy dark fruit. Finely textured, refined tannins. Definitely cooler climate but still with fully ripe cassis and flavours. Very firm grip at the moment. Needs more time and/or food.' - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17+/20 (Oct 2017)

'Classic blackcurrant, cedar & herbal notes on 2014, cool-climate herbaceous hint well covered by ripe fruit. Fresh & vital, thriving acid & tannin important to character. 20% new oak; 14.1% alcohol. As always, less rich & fulsome than cab from warmer regions.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (92/100)

'Craig Wessels is the only person to have made a success of stand-alone Cabernet Sauvignon in the Hemel-en-Aarde region, but what a triumph this is. Leafy, herbal. Poised and cassis-scented, with finely judged tannins and oak, refreshing acidity and a long, tapering finish.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report, 95/100

2015
'The perfumed nose offers pressed rose petals infusing the black fruit with touches of singed leather and black truffle coming through in time. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle, graphite-tinged opening, fine grip and moderate weight with a tobacco-infused finish. Classy and classic in style.'- Neal Martin, Vinous, 91/100 (Aug 2023)

'There are slightly more Cabernet Sauvignons in the cool Hemel-en-Aarde Valley than you'd imagine (three to precise), but this is easily the best of the trio. Fresh, savoury and herbal with fine tannins, good structure and density and an artist's use of wood ageing. 2020-28.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 95/100

'Single-vineyard, classic style 2015 shows cool-climate purity, vibrancy in its blackcurrant, herbal & cedar notes. Youthful tautness suggests 10+ year maturation. The fruit is perfectly ripe & persists with delicious savoury length. Stylish 20% new oak trim.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2019, 4.5* (93/100)

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