Cabernet Sauvignon
The King of Stellenbosch and Paarl
Anthony Mueller did the latest evaluation of South African wines from the Stellenbosh 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 review 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 show the versatility of the two regions, the whites are also fantastic, with a handful of great Chenin Blancs from De Morgenzon, Ken Forrester, Kleine Zalze and L’Avenir.», says Mueller in his contribution.
For this report, written by Anthony Mueller, over 480 South African wines were tasted.
Vilafonté with highest score
Vilafonté received the highest score and the second highest score for South Africa! Series C took first place with a score of 97, and Series M was second with a score of 95+. Seriously Old Dirt also received a solid score of 91+.
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 that shows elegant oak tones and a juicy and fresh frame of succulent dark red fruits that offer power and finesse with a lovely mineral essence that overflows with plum skin and spiced cherries. Medium to full-bodied, the C Series offers a fine-grained tannic edge that has the focus, elegance and precision of a world-class wine. Vibrant acidity excites the palate with a juicy mid-palate balance, revealing layers of complexity as the wine rolls over to a long, lingering, juicy, oak-tinged finish. This is one of South Africa’s finest juices. Leave it in the bottle for another year and drink it for decades to come.
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 and offers incredible concentration and focus on the nose, with aromas of oak, ripe plums and dark cherries before delicate notes of dusty roses and lavender waft from the glass. The palate thickens, revealing a fine tannic structure with brilliant, energetic acidity that is a bit nervous now, but will benefit from another year in bottle and mature like a champion. Give it time and your patience will be rewarded. Even though the yields were low, the quality is obvious and outstanding. This is a madness!
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 is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, with 8% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. This delicious red blend captivates with juicy red and black fruit aromas, complemented by a nice blend of brown baking spices and delicate flavors that are complemented by a subtle mineral note. Medium to full-bodied with 13.5% alcohol on the label, the wine is juicy on the palate with flavors of dark cherries followed by bold acidity that penetrates the mid-palate with fine-grained tannins. The finish is fresh and picturesque, with lingering notes of ripe plums and soft oak tones. This lovely wine aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Try it.
Edition of «Robert Parker» from 31.07.2023
All prices in CHF incl. VAT. Daily price as of 05.09.2023.
Offers valid while stocks last. Errors and price changes subject to change.
