Villiera The Clan 2017

The Clan is the top-end offering from Stellenbosch property Villiera which is premised on breaking all the rules – the maiden vintage 2015 being an 87:13 blend of Cabernet Franc and Carignan that had an alcohol of 15.29% and succeeded precisely because of its intensity (CE’s rating: 93/100 – see here).

Currently available is the 2016, a blend of 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Carignan and while the alcohol is more moderate at 14.25%, it reflects what a challenging vintage this was. Undergrowth and earth accompany red and black berries plus some herbal character on the nose while the palate is deep to the point of chunky. Price: R895 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

The soon-to-be-released 2017 is the most readily pleasing wine to date. A blend of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Carignan, maturation lasted 18 months in French oak, 60% new. The nose is fragrant with notes of red and black berries, violets and fresh herbs plus some pencil shavings while the palate is medium bodied and nicely balanced – lovely fruit purity, bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish long and dry. Alcohol: 14.28%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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