Beeslaar new releases

“I don’t see myself as old school but rather a bit of a purist,” says Abrie Beeslaar, who spent over 22 years at Kanonkop and turned 52 yesterday. He clearly knows his way around the wine business and has now launched a mid-market label, Cape Courage, pitched directly at established players such as L’Ormarins Optima, Rupert & Rothschild Classique and Kanonkop’s own Kadette Cape Blend.

Cape Courage 2023
Price: R245
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Pinotage, 15% Merlot with small additions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Matured for 20 months in 225-litre barrels, 10% new. Red and black berries, plum, a hint of violets and cigar box on the nose. The palate is pure and juicy with fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins, finishing properly dry. Classically styled, well-structured and precise – total production is an impressive 43,000 bottles. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

The Sacrament 2023
Price: R1,285
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc (no Merlot this year due to compromised fruit health following the late-season rains). Partial whole-berry fermentation lends a degree of early approachability. Matured for 19 months in barrel, all new. Cranberry, a touch of cassis, floral perfume, some leafiness and a faint note of vanilla on the nose. The palate shows well-delineated fruit, fresh acidity and powdery tannins. Less expansive on the mid-palate than the 2022, perhaps, but linear, upright and rather elegant. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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