Tokara Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Overachiever.

The inaugural Cabernet Sauvignon Report, compiled in 2012, saw four wines rated 5 Stars, these being De Trafford 2009, Delaire Reserve 2009, Graham Beck The Coffeestone 2009 and the standard-label Tokara 2009.

The Tokara caused a particular stir back then in that it sold for the princely sum of R79 a bottle. 10 years on from vintage, how has it held up? Bottled under screwcap and carrying an alcohol of 15%, it shows very little decay. Colour is still pitch black, the nose quite heady with notes of red and black fruit, crushed herbs, oak spice, pencil shavings, and boot polish as well as the merest hint of undergrowth. The palate is full bodied with fresh acidity and smooth tannins, a little heat on the finish a minor criticism. I had the original drinking window as being from 2014 – 2019 but this should go a while yet.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

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