Dalla Cia Giorgio 2019

The 2019 vintage seems to have generally produced lighter bodied, fresher wines, at least when it comes to Stellenbosch reds, but there’s nothing too underdone about the Giorgio from Dalla Cia, the operation run by Giorgio Dalla Cia of Meerlust fame and son George.

The wine is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 15% Petit Verdot, matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, 80% new and 20% second fill, with an alcohol of 14.5%.

Does it succeed?  The answer, I think, is yes. On the nose, red and black berries, violets, tobacco, earth and pencil shavings while the palate full but simultaneously tightly wound – the architecture of fruit, acidity and tannins giving it statuesque shape. Admirable purity, the extraction and oaking well judged. Price: R515 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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