Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

'The 2017 Paul Sauer is a classic blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot from vines grown on prime Stellenbosch decomposed granite, Hutton and Clovelly soils with an average age of 30 years old. The vintage yielded a moderately low 4.5 tons per hectare or 2,750 litres per hectare, and was aged 24 months in new 225 litre French oak Nevers barrels. In my 2015 preamble, I stated that the perfect Paul Sauer blend seeks the comfort of the perfect balance between power and concentration, structure and freshness. This 2017 is undoubtedly elegance and seamless finesse personified. Possessing a deep garnet-purple colour, the aromatics are initially slightly restrained, unfurling cautiously to reveal a fabulous cornucopia of red and black summer berry fruits, black cherries, tart blue berries supported by complexing notes of crushed gravel and a vampish graphite vein. Like any truly great wine, every time you revisit your glass, yet more intricate notes assault the senses. Violets and lilac perfume, cherries immersed in black chocolate, blood and iron, freshly tilled earth and the most seductive kiss of promise from the premium French oak vanillins. The palate is exquisitely framed by fine talcum-like tannins and an invigorating acid freshness that resonates across the tongue. Once again the joyful poise and elegance of the weightless 2017 concentration and intensity confounds the senses, unfurling layer upon layer of black cherry kirsch liquor, crème de cassis and a tart, saline sea breeze freshness on the long exhilarating finish. For a wine like this, Grand Cru Classe Bordeaux is and always will be the road map region by which winemakers navigate their path to greatness. This 2017 Paul Sauer has all the subtlety and finesse, elegance and seamless balance to rival the greatest Bordeaux blends of France, while retaining its own unique South African signature imprint. Drink this wine on release to banish your curiosity but then cellar some of the rest for up to 30+ years. Undoubtedly another must have icon for collectors and drinkers alike.' - Greg Sherwood MW, 98/100 (May 2020)

'In South Africa, there is a debate about whether the 2015 Paul Sauer is better than the 2017 or vice versa. They are both great vintages of one of the Cape's icons. In recent years, I have moved more towards the 2017. A magnificent 3-liter bottle was opened and poured blind at the recent Bordeaux vs. Stellenbosch comparative dinner organized by "Wine Cellar." The 2017 has always had an extravagant bouquet, though now it has more refinement and detail, with black cherries, blueberries and cedar. It becomes more floral with the passing of time, almost Margaux-like. The palate has gained a little more backbone in recent months. The acidity effortlessly counters the power of this Paul Sauer. There is a completeness and harmony about this silky-textured wine that is captivating. Given its propensity to repay cellaring, this Paul Sauer will give 20 to 30 years of pleasure. 2025-2050'- Neal Martin, Vinous, 97/100 (Sep 2024)

'Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot, the 2017 Paul Sauer offers a juicy, red-fruited nose with heady floral aromas and oak tones of cinnamon, vanilla and sweet cedar. Medium to full-bodied, flavors of red plum skin and dark cherry juice cover the palate with rosewater elements before gripping tannins expresses on the tongue. The wine lingers with a richness and robustness with vibrant, juicy flavors of currant and cassis, ending with a long, succulent finish. This shares many of the same similarities in style with its 2015 bottling and should age just as gracefully. 2022-2040' - Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Feb 2021)

'Super-clean nose with syrupy blackcurrant fruit, dense dark chocolate and feathery tannins on the palate that knit everything together handsomely. Very gratifying to drink now, such is the power of that primary fruit, but there is no doubt it will age magnificently. 2020-2032' - Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Mar 2021)