From a spectacular vintage, this is testament how
much the South African wine industry have changed, no one was spared in their quest
for physiological ripeness and it has never been that high, where many wineries
just experience hit and run sudden death by pushing their picking dates later
and later, producing, bottling and releasing dead fruit, raisin, high pH (close
to 4 and over 3.8!), brown rim at 2 years old, syrupy red wine, with no energy, freshness by means of added acidity, rather than natural, a disaster with food pairings, this shows the combination of terroir and tradition goes together if it is
respected!!
The alcohol might be high at 14% abv vs the 12%
abv of their 1989 vintage Paul Sauer, nevertheless, this is a dense offering
with slight garnet rim (it’s 4+ years), with purple reflection towards the
centre, bright purity, fragrant combination of perfectly ripe Cabernet fruit
and new oak barrel, St Julien like, seamless, impressive depth and length, the
question however is will it age as beautifully and retain a pin point freshness
as the 1989? As right now 2009 is an absolute cracker, does it have the stamina
to hold for 17+ years after vintage? Time will tell J
Alcohol: high | 14%abv
Origin: Simonsberg - Stellenbosch
Notes: cassis | blackcurrant | peppery | spicy |earthy |
leather
Ideal drinking occasions: very special occasions
Serve with: roast cote de boeuf, sauce Bearnaise
Drink: now until 2025+
