Stark-Conde strikes again. When it comes to an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon that over delivers then there are few producers who can consistently bring the goods year after year. Stark-Conde is no stranger to our missives and deservedly so, as there are few producers we work with who seem to do such a great job year after year with their impressive Cabernet range. The 2019 Stark-Conde Stellenboach Cabernet Sauvignon just became available and it’s another beauty, always well reviewed and at this price point it’s gonna beat the pants off of most Cabs from just about anywhere. It always makes it easier when you like the people behind the brand and can say that the winery is set in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. This wine delights and has the stuffing to age nicely.
$24.99
95 pts Greg Sherwood MW
This 2019 is certainly deep, dark and opaque with a broody blackberry and black plum core from 18- to 30-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines. On the nose, the wine really impresses with alluring aromatics of violets, raspberry herbal tea, sweet tannery leather, freshly tilled earth and mocha spice before opulent notes of earthy blackberry, blueberry and graphite. With such incredible power and intensity of fruit on display here, the subtle cedar wood and black chai tea spice nuances are absorbed by the black fruit and mineral depth. Despite the vintage’s slightly lower-than-average alcohol level, the palate is wonderfully plush and dense with a classically fresh sweet and sour vein of crème de cassis, black cherry and leafy mulberry over sweet expansive fleshy tannins. When the perfect terroir meets the perfect variety and the finest winemaking know-how is utilised to capture that in a bottle, this is what you get – mesmerising quality at such an affordable price. Drink this classically configured Cabernet powerhouse over the next 10 to 15+ years. What an absolute steal… only possible from South Africa!
4 ½ Stars 2022 Platter’s South African Wine Guide
Splashes of petit verdot & malbec add nuance & complexity to 19 (93 pts), packed with dark plum, chocolate, tobacco & sweet spice flavours. 20 months in 30% new barrels creates a firm platform for beneficial ageing.
92 pts Wine Spectator
This medium- to full-bodied red presents a pure beam of dark, ripe black currant fruit underscored by a streak of spicy minerals. Offers accents of vanilla bean, rose hip and orange peel, which add to this version’s expressive character. Tightly coiled and well-knit at first, this is a concentrated wine that opens nicely in the glass. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Petit Syrah and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2029.
90 pts Vinous
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch is a blend of six different blocks on the estate at various altitudes, matured in around 30% new oak for 20 months. The team here managed to get the fruit off the vine before the March rains hit. It offers brambly, red berry fruit, redcurrant and cranberry mixed with rose petal. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, a slightly herbal Cabernet in a good way with a Médoc-leaning finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon is our signature varietal and this particular wine is the bedrock of our winery. This award-winning Cabernet is blended with traditional Bordeaux varietals grown on the farm. This wine displays a rich palate, a long finish, and fine tannins typical of a Jonkershoek Valley wine.
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Ian Beavis –
A real bargain that will reward patience. I bought several bottles and have only tried one so far. It is drinking very well now if you give it some breathing time. However, it is obvious it will improve with cellaring for many years. I will try to be patient.
Libby G –
Glad you enjoyed it Ian! Co-incidentally we were at the winery tasting room yesterday, well worth a visit if you find yourself in Stellenbosch.