Saxenburg Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Saxenburg looked set for a resurgence when Dirk van Zyl started as winemaker in late 2019 but he left for Glenelly earlier this year. Will the Polkadraai Hills property prevail? In the case of the Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, the decision has been taken to jump two vintages after the 2017 sold out and the 2020 has recently come to market.

Van Zyl has fashioned a rather elegant wine, alcohol a modest 13.65% and maturation lasting 12 months in French oak barrels of which 20% were new before blending and being returned to older oak barrels for six months.

The nose shows cassis, a subtle note of fresh herbs, tobacco and pencil shavings while the palate shows good depth, bright acidity and smooth tannins, the finish nicely dry. Very stylish indeed and something of a bargain at R275 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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