Wade Bales Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Of a region.

This is the second in the regional series from Wade Bales, négociant and owner of Wade Bales Fine Wines and Spirits (the first being a Sauv-Sem blend from Constantia).

Combining batches from Abrie Beeslaar of Kanonkop, Jose Conde of Stark-Conde, Louis Strydom of Ernie Els, Nico van der Merwe of Nico van der Merwe Wines and Morne Vrey of Delaire Graff, the wine was matured for 18 months in French oak, 60% new.

The nose shows cassis, olive, vanilla and earth while the palate is rich, broad and savoury – dense fruit and plenty of tannic grip (alcohol is 14.5%). It perhaps does not have the individuality of a single-property wine but it does come across as essentially “Stellenbosch” and that’s precisely what Bales is hoping to achieve so fair enough. Price: R450 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 92/100. 

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