Blaauwklippen Zinfandel 2018

Zinfandel was first planted at Stellenbosch property Blaauwklippen in 1977, the first vintage released in 1980. Today, total plantings in South Africa amount to just 22.5ha and besides Blaauwklippen, only Idiom in Somerset West are proponents of the variety.

Zin with some zing.

The variety often makes quite jammy wines but in the case of the Blaauwklippen 2018, winemaker Narina Cloete has fashioned something not short of character and really quite likeable. The nose shows cherries and plums, a touch of tobacco, some spice and little milk chocolate while the palate is sweet and soft in the best sense. Matured for 12 months in 300-litre barrels of which 27% were new. Alcohol: 14%. Price: R135 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 88/100.

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