Stark-Conde Cabernet Sauvignon

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.