Tasting Notes:
The wine has a dark, brooding nose of black fruits and sweet spice. Aromas of intense cassis and an attractive perfumy character lends richness. The palate is opulent and velvety with classic dark berry fruits, showing blueberries, plums, mulberries and nuances of dark chocolate and graphite. The wine is full-bodied, with a good lemony acidity to balance the
juicy wild berry fruit. Plush, svelte, integrated tannins add complexity to a rich, luscious wine. Black cherry and gentle hints of blueberry crumble linger on a brooding, earthy finish.
Reviews:
17.5 points – JancisRobinson.com
“Very dark crimson. Richer and darker than the Franschhoek Cabernet but also with a stony quality to it, more mineral with a touch of lead pencil. Open and fragrant. Pure, intense cassis fruit but not sweet-fruited, dark and utterly refined in flavour and smooth texture. Compact and very fine tannins, caressing. A powerful and refined wine that carries its alcohol well to a long, plush and attractively dry finish. A pure, elegant and harmonious beauty that has a long future but is delicious now if you want to focus on the fruit.”
95 points, Tim Atkin MW
Gottfried Mocke sources this Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon from two growers - one on the Helderberg, the other in Stellenbosch Kloof - to produce what is always the denser than its companion Franschhoek bottling. Inky and grippy, with top notes of menthol, mocha and dried herbs, lots of energy and vibrancy and a core of plum, blueberry and cassis. 2025-35
93 points, James Suckling
Pretty nose of blackcurrants, sage, blackberry leaves and nutmeg. Firm and well-framed, with a full body and solid tannin structure. Excellent freshness, too. Drink or hold.
92 points – RobertParker.com
“The 2021 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon follows the trend of previous vintages. The wine begins with a dusty and firm profile with broad shoulders and a tight tannic grip. It is softly herbal and spicy, featuring hints of mint, granite and pencil lead, culminating in a still-tight finish. This bottle would benefit from some additional years of aging. After the wine aged for 22 months in 60% new French oak, 34,474 bottles were filled. This promises to evolve beautifully with patience.”