Dornier Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Cool, calm and collected.

Philip van Staden made a pretty smart, if big and glossy, version of Cabernet Sauvignon that went by the name of Lapa while at Guardian Peak in Stellenbosch. He joined Dornier in October 2015 and clearly he has bought his expertise to bear in the case of the Equanimity 2016.

Matured for 18 months in French oak, 30% new, this a clean, very well made wine which manages to avoid any stylistic extremes. On the nose, red and black fruit, violets and some attractive leafiness. The palate shows pure fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins. The wine carries its alcohol of 14.5% well and the finish is nicely austere. It’s rather primary now but should only gain in complexity with time in bottle. Price: R142.50 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 91/100.

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