2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon spends 24 months in barrel with 50% new oak. It has a backward, slightly broody undergrowth-tinged nose with tobacco and gravelly notes infusing the carapace of black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with toasty tannin, quite austere and reserved in style, but there is a driving line of acidity that maintains freshness. It still feels a little foursquare on the finish, but it should drink well over the next few years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good deep red. Initially mute nose reveals scents of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and iron with air. Much sweeter in the mouth than the nose suggests (but with only 2 g/l r.s.), with dark berry fruits complicated by subtle dried herbs and flowers. Not at all green but nicely cool, displaying brisk acidity and a fine-grained texture. Finishes with a firm structure and excellent length. This is built for a graceful evolution in bottle.
Very tight and tough. Old school. Thick and sweet at first but demanding on the finish. (JR)