Winshaw Bill Winshaw 2017

Pierre and JP Winshaw farm cattle, chickens and wine grapes on Stellenbosch property Klein Welmoed. The grapes are bought by some of the leading cellars in the district but they also make their own wines under the Usana label and now a more premium set under the Winshaw Vineyards label, maiden releases consisting of a Malbec 2019 (R245 a bottle) and two Cape Bordeaux Red Blends from the 2017 vintage, the first honouring their great-grandfather Dr William Charles Winshaw, founder of Stellenbosch Farmers Winery, and the second their grandfather Bill, also a key figure in the running of SFW (both wines selling for R300 a bottle).

It’s the Bill Winshaw 2017 that stands out. Consisting of 67% Cabernet Franc, 18% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, it was matured for 24 months in 225- and 300-litre barrels, 37% new. The nose shows red and black berries, cigar box and pencil shavings while the palate has a dense core of fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish long and particularly dry. It’s a harmonious, elegant offering.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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