Saxenburg Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Polkadraai Hills seems to have suddenly become the source of some of South Africa’s most exciting wines but Saxenburg proved this appellation could produce the goods as far back as the 1990s when then winemaker Nico van der Merwe used to scoop up all the accolades there were to be had for his Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

It’s not unfair to say that Saxenburg subsequently fell into a bit of a dip but recent releases suggest a return to form, the Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 again impressing. Matured for 12 months in 300-litre barrels, 40%, the nose shows black berries plus subtle notes of olive, violets, some leafiness, tilled earth and vanilla. The palate meanwhile has good depth of fruit, fresh acidity and firm but fine tannins – it’s well balanced with a pleasant coolness to it that makes it very drinkable indeed. Price: R265 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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