GS Cabernet 1968

It’s the 1966 vintage of GS Cabernet that’s arguably South Africa’s most prized older wine, having wowed international commentators over the years but the 1968 is not to be overlooked, this vintage showing extremely well at the tasting held earlier in the year as part of preparations for the Distell Tabernacle Heritage Sale (to be run by auction house Strauss & Co on Sunday, 10 July).

The nose is complex showing red and black berries, some leafiness and even a touch of mint to go with the forest floor character you expect on an older wine. Nothing too fragile about the palate – the fruit remains quite succulent and the acidity fresh although the tannins are nicely resolved at this stage. The finish, meanwhile, has a lovely coolness about it indicative of this wine’s Durbanville origins.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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