Jakob’s Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

The wards of Hemel-en-Aarde are, has been drilled into us, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir country, but André de Lange persists with one hectare of Cabernet Sauvignon on his Ridge property, vinification by Peter-Allan Finlayson of Crystallum and Gabriëlskloof fame.

The 2017 underwent spontaneous fermentation before maturation lasting 24 months in 225-litre barrels, 20% new. The nose shows cranberries, cherries and cassis plus rose, fynbos and tomato leaf while the palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins. It’s not an immensely powerful wine but still manages to deliver plenty of flavour in understated fashion. Price: R250 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.