Babylonstoren, ‘Babel’, 2024, Western Cape (WO)

'One-Liner'
A generous, velvety Cape red filled with cassis, dark plum and black cherry, lifted by fragrant herbs and polished cedar spice.

Tasting Note
Floral hints of lavender lead into cassis, ripe plum and black cherry, with liquorice, bay leaf and cedar adding a gently savoury edge. Smooth and succulent on the palate, with juicy dark fruit, measured freshness and supple tannins, finishing with lingering berry fruit, subtle oak and warming spice.

Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape WO
Sub-Region: n/a
Grape(s): 39% Shiraz, 28% Pinotage, 13% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 1% Pinot Noir
ABV: 14%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Dating back to 1692, Babylonstoren is one of the Cape’s oldest surviving farms, sitting beneath the Simonsberg mountain in the Franschhoek wine valley. Babel was first conceived in 2011 as the estate’s signature house blend – a meeting of Rhône richness from Shiraz, distinctly South African character from Pinotage and the structure and perfume of traditional Bordeaux varieties. Each element is chosen to play a particular role, creating a layered yet approachable red with plenty of fruit, gentle savoury complexity and a smooth texture shaped by 12 months in French oak and large wooden foudres.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Grilled lamb koftas with lemon and herbs
- Vegetarian: Mushroom and Thyme Tart
- Vegan: Porcini, borlotti bean and rosemary ragù with soft polenta