Stellenbosch Suikerboschrand 2017

Stellenbosch Hills have just released the 2017 vintage of Suikerboschrand Cape Blend, part of their top tier of wines known as Sense of Place and it’s a rather uncompromising take on how a luxury red wine should be styled.

From Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it has an alcohol of 14.5% while maturation lasted 24 months in French oak, 100% new. The nose shows plums, cherries and cassis, some floral fragrance, chocolate and oak spice while the palate has massive depth of fruit and smoothness of texture but also manages to retain a modicum of freshness. It’s got layers of flavour and the finish is nicely savoury – it cannot be denied that this is a very polished offering, but it might’ve been even better if it wasn’t so full on. Price: R395 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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