92 pts Tim Atkin MW 2022Like the Kadette Pinotage, this is a very impressive red, especially given its volume and price tag. Made with a 65/35 split of purchased and home-grown grapes, it has graceful tannins, nuanced oak and cassis, bramble and dried herb flavours. Textbook stuff. 2022-274 ½ Stars 2023 Platter’s South African Wine GuideFresh cassis, along with some cedar & vanilla from 75% new oak on 20 (90 pts). Less splendid, structured & deep-fruited than senior version, but a serious offering & good bargain at a fifth of the price. Approachable already, it should develop – also true of 19 (88 pts). This applies to all the range.90 pts Wine Enthusiast Nov 2022Blackberry leaf, cassis and plum skin all dance on the nose of this wine, with supporting accents of singed herbs, tobacco leaf and cedar. The medium-weight palate is like crushed velvet in texture, with ripe black-fruit flavors framed by plush yet structuring tannins and ample acidity that lends some lift along with the grip of the close. It’s well balanced and attractive now, though it should hold well through 2026.90 pts Wine Spectator Advance Issue June 30, 2023A dark, juicy, medium- to full-bodied red, with a streak of tarry smoke underscoring flavors of baked black cherry and black plum reduction, with notes of licorice and dried parsley and sage. Firm, chalky tannins emerge to trim the finish. Drink now through 2026. 15,000 cases made, 2,102 cases imported.
