Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.3

Sample from #CapeClassics.
Deep ruby red with high intensity. Nose was slightly dirty to start with a little barnyard or wet hay funk (good South African funk, don't be scared). This aired out to some classic chalkiness with tobacco, light bell peppers and a little charred note at the end. Moderate tannins (7/10) with a medium plus body. This was very tight and softer than expected when we opened it, but started to sing after a few hours in the glass. Very well integrated, no sharp or harsh edges. Layered palate with some red cherries and savory notes on the front end. With the air time came a few more notes of black berries and raspberries, some dried berries too. Also seemed to have a few rustic characteristics. Beautiful wine with a dry and lingering finish. Definitely one of the great wines out of South Africa. Give it some good air time and let it get to just below room temperature before enjoying. Drink till 2028. — 9 years ago

with Sean and India

Michael Callahan

8.9

Bordeaux blend. Full body, high alcohol. Smooth finish. Very rich. 7. — 12 years ago

David Podhaskie

9.6

This gets extra points for being high in alcohol content, but not losing any complexity. Incredibly smooth with a great spice and floral finish. — 10 years ago

Shil Kothari

9.5

Definitely a favorite of mine. Big bold and very well balanced. This 2009 is a great example of great mountain fruit. Dark red color, high viscosity mild tannins and dark roasted oak. blueberry, cherry and blackberry flavors and hints of young wood, black pepper , nutmeg and clove. 2/7/2015 — 11 years ago

with Kim

Maciek Gontarz

9.6

Malbec 93%, Cabernet Franc 7%. Dark as ink. Amazing nose, I'm speachless. Cooked ripe red fruits. Multidimensional. Tar with earth and flowers and eucalyptus. High extraction, very aggressive. Need food. Love food. Complexed, stunning! — 12 years ago

Tracy Wu

9.0

High acidity and freshness, citrus and passion fruit with a touch of yeast. 7/10 — 13 years ago

Meln

8.9

High alcohol
Great pairing-Spiced food
Thanksgiving dinner. — 10 years ago

Winn Roberton

9.5

High elevation cab. Oh yeah good. 2010 vintage. — 11 years ago

Laura Hodges

9.7

93% syrah 7% Viognier. What an incredible bottle of wine. Last I had it was in barrel. Beautiful silky structure with influences of calcareous soils and limestone. Beautiful aromatics. Viognier is prevalent on nose with Monterey fruit. High elevation and above the fog line — 11 years ago

Melissa Boon

9.6

50 garnacha, 27 carinena, 16 Syrah, 7 Cabernet, maybe a lil merlot, 93 Parker, 12 meses barrica francesa nueva. $204 cost 6 packs, sell for $50. 700 cajas produccion, 80 a 100 anos vinedos. Nose: some dried fruit, red fruit, cocoa. Mouth: nice tannins, high acidity, heavy body, calls for food, chewy. 8/10 — 13 years ago