2013 Reyneke Cornerstone

The 2013 Cornerstone is a blend of 43% Cabernet Franc, 42% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon; this is the first time the latter is not the dominant variety, since the other two varieties just looked so good. It was also the first vintage where winemaker Rudiger Gretschel used a berry selection table, whereas before he used just a bunch selection. Matured for 22 months with only the Cabernet in new oak and the Merlot in 2,500-liter foudres, it has a tightly wound bouquet with mint-tinged black cherry and raspberry preserve aromas. The aromatics clearly need another year to open. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin and very well judged acidity there is a light tarriness coming towards the grippy finish that is very harmonious and long in the mouth. Give this 2-3 years in bottle.