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Tasting notes
Riding the line between the New World and Old World expressions, the 2017 Anwilka begins with aromas of dusty blackberry, ripe plum, cedar and cigar spice before notions of graphite, sage and wet river rocks waft from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, it has a ripe yet rustic mouthfeel, energetic acidity and fine-grained tannins that lift the mid-palate. As the wine sits in the mouth, it continues to somersault and reveal its elegance and complexity over the persistent and elongated finish. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot rested for 19 months in French oak, of which 50% were first fill. It's drinking great now, but just give it one more year in the bottle and drink through the middle of the next decade.
Critic scores
Average Score
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Concentrated cassis and damson fruits, bitter black chocolate that is set against tight tannins, all softened by toasted oak cedar and fresh elderflower and redcurrant acidities. This is built to last, and even at four years old I would suggest leaving another year or two. An excellent vintage in Stellenbosch with a warm summer and long, cool ripening during harvest, and there are plenty of subtle layers of flavour here. 3.6ph. 50% new oak and 50% one year old French barrels, all 400l in size.
The 2017 Anwilka was aged for 19 months in 50% new oak (400-liter barrels) and the rest in second-fill. It has a pure, seductive bouquet of boysenberry and cassis fruit, the vanilla-y oak seamlessly integrated and not imposing itself like older vintages of Anwilka. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins, and slightly granular in texture, presenting layered black fruit laced with tobacco, allspice and touches of cassis. Very seductive on the finish. This is an almost Napa-like Anwilka that requires 3–4 years in barrel.
Full bottle 1,498 g. 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Syrah, 7% Petit Verdot. Natural cork. Mid-deep ruby. Some jammy tones on the mixed black fruit, with evident clove, incense and cedar from its oak regime, but there is a dusty, fresh earth tone too. Plush and full, with abundant, mouth-coating tannins, though these are fine-textured, sitting on the border between velvety and chalky. Good length, but a bitter touch through the finish that detracts a little. (TJ)
About the producer
Based in Constantia, a short drive from the suburbs of Cape Town, Klein Constantia produces some of South Africa’s finest wines, including its iconic sweet wine, Vin de Constance.
Product details
Syrah / Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec/ Auxerrois / Cot
Red
Dry