Muratie Estate Ansela Van de Caab Simonsberg-Stellenbosch 2008 86 Points

Muratie Estate

Color shows advanced developement for a 4 year old red, clear, bright, garnet with slight brown rim.

Clean, medium plus intensity, nose confirm evolution, secondary towards tertiary development, preserved cassis, blackcurrant, cherries in kirsch, earthy, stony core, mineral, spicy oak lending tobacco, cigar note, layered complexity, good restraint.

Dry with medium plus acidity, fresh and crunchy in style, savoury texture, medium plus ripe tannins, elegant extraction, alcohol is high though at 14%abv, red fruits follows through, cassis and tobacco, quite generic Medoc in profile, well made.

Having tasted many previous vintages, Ansela Van de Caab is one of the underated classic Cape Bordeaux style of Simonsberg ward in Stellenbosch and sit equally well amongst it's neighbours such as Kanonkop Paul Sauer, Laibach Friedrich Laibach, L'Avenir Vineyards Stellenbosch Classic, Le Bohneur Prima, The Morgenhof Estate and Warwick Trilogy.

Ansela Van de Caab are austere and stern in their youth and are made for those that are patient enough for at least 8 years, to be rewarded.

A classic unfiltered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, matured for 22 months in French oak, very good value in comparison to Medoc reds at similar quality level.
Best from 2016 up to 2018+