Endura Cape Blend 2017

The Cape Blend, “a blended red wine of which Pinotage constitutes a significant component” to quote the Pinotage Association has never really caught on but the Endura 2017 from Perdeberg, the Paarl cellar celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, works well.

Consisting of 69% Pinotage, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Malbec, it was matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Plums, cherries, cassis plus hints of vanilla and spice on the nose while the palate is full, round and smooth textured in the best sense, the finish gently savoury. It’s accessible but not too easy and while some versions of Cape Blends can be discordant, this is not the case here (alcohol: 13.65%). Price: R350 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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