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Robert Parker - Best Wine Ratings 2023

September 21, 2023Andrea Palamarcukova

Cabernet Sauvignon

The King of Stellenbosch and Paarl


 

Anthony Mueller conducted the latest review of South African wines from the Stellenbosch and Paarl regions for Robert Parker's Magazine.

 

"Stellenbosch and Paarl are known for their high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet blends. Some of the best Cabernets in this report go to Kanonkop, Reyneke, Le Riche (with a fantastic selection of Cabernets), and Kaapzicht. At the same time, the highest score and bragging rights go to Vilafonté. However, these regions also produce some spectacular Cabernet Franc, and Rainbow's End deserves a special mention for its Limited Release Cabernet Franc. To showcase the versatility of the two regions, the white wines are also fantastic, with a handful of great Chenin Blancs from De Morgenzon, Ken Forrester, Kleine Zalze, and L'Avenir," says Mueller in his article.

For this report by Anthony Mueller, over 480 South African wines were tasted.

 

Vilafonté with the highest score

Vilafonté received the highest and second-highest scores for South Africa! The Series C took first place with 97 points, and the Series M came in second with 95+ points. Seriously Old Dirt also received a solid score of 91+.

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Sixpack Special >6 bottles
VILAFONTÉ
Series c – 2019
CHF 109.00 instead of CHF 129.00

 

97 Points by Robert Parker

The 2019 Series C opens with a broad and structured nose showing elegant oak tones and a juicy and fresh framework of luscious dark red fruits offering power and finesse with a gorgeous mineral essence overflowing with plum skin and spiced cherries. Medium to full-bodied, the Series C offers a fine-grained tannic edge that possesses the focus, elegance and precision of a world-class wine. The vibrant acidity excites the palate with a succulent balance in the mid-palate, revealing layers of complexity as the wine tumbles to a long, lingering, juicy, oak-toned finish. This is one of South Africa's finest juices. Give it another year in the bottle and drink it over the next decades.

image_222033361.png

Sixpack Special >6 bottles
VILAFONTÉ
Series m – 2019
CHF 65.00 instead of CHF 79.00

 

95+ Points by Robert Parker

The 2019 Series M comes from the smallest vintage per hectare since Vilafonté's inception, offering incredible concentration and focus on the nose, characterized by aromas of oak, ripe plums, and dark cherries, before delicate notes of dusty roses and lavender waft from the glass. On the palate, the wine condenses, revealing a fine tannic structure with brilliant, energetic acidity, which is a bit nervous now but will benefit from another year in the bottle and will age like a champion. Give it time, and your patience will be rewarded. While yields were low, the quality is evident and outstanding. This is insane!

Killer Deal >6 bottles
VILAFONTÉ
Seriously Old Dirt – 2020
CHF 22.90 instead of CHF 39.00

 

91+ Points by Robert Parker

The 2020 Seriously Old Dirt consists mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon, with 8% Merlot, 4% Malbec, and 2% Cabernet Franc. This delicious red blend captivates with juicy aromas of red and black fruits, complemented by a lovely mix of brown baking spices and delicate aromas, enhanced by a fine, mineral note. With medium to full body and an alcohol content of 13.5% on the label, the wine is juicy on the palate with flavors of dark cherries, followed by a vibrant acidity that permeates the mid-palate with fine-grained tannins. The finish is fresh and picturesque, with lingering notes of ripe plums and soft oak tones. This delightful wine matured for 18 months in French oak barrels. Give it a try.

 

Edition of "Robert Parker", from 31.07.2023

 

All prices in CHF incl. VAT. Daily price from 05.09.2023.
Offers valid while stocks last. Errors and price changes reserved.

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