Grand Vin de Stellenbosch, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020, Stellenbosch (WO)

'One-Liner'
A commanding Stellenbosch Cabernet with cassis, blackberry and violet, wrapped in polished oak spice and firm, finely integrated tannins.

Tasting Note
Deep and concentrated in colour, with ripe blackcurrant, cassis and blackberry lifted by fragrant violet and a subtle touch of mint. Notes of cedar, tobacco and warming oak spice emerge beneath the fruit, while the palate is full-bodied and structured, with dense dark berries, well-integrated tannins and a long, savoury finish. Powerful but carefully balanced, this has the depth to enjoy alongside hearty food and the structure to continue developing in the bottle.

Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape
Sub-Region: Stellenbosch WO
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.5%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
93 Points – Tim Atkin
91 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
91 Points & Silver Medal – International Wine & Spirit Competition
90 Points & Silver Medal – Decanter
4.5 Stars – Platter’s South African Wine Guide
Double Gold & 91 Points – Gilbert & Gaillard
Gold Medal – Cabernet Sauvignon Challenge
Gold Medal – Veritas
Gold Medal – Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards

The Story
Grand Vin de Stellenbosch is produced by Le Grand Domaine in the Devon Valley, an area of Stellenbosch particularly well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon and the other classic red grapes of Bordeaux. The estate was acquired by Bernard Fontannaz in 2016, with the aim of creating finely structured wines shaped by carefully selected vineyard sites and a clear sense of place. This 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon combines fruit from iron-rich, clay-influenced soils in the Upper Devon Valley with grapes grown higher against the Simonsberg in the Banhoek Valley, bringing together depth, perfume and freshness. The wine was given extended skin contact before completing malolactic fermentation in tanks and barrels, followed by 18 months in oak to soften its formidable structure and add layers of cedar and spice.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Slow-braised beef goulash with sweet paprika and caraway
- Vegetarian: Mushroom and Thyme Tart
- Vegan: Porcini, borlotti bean and rosemary ragù with soft polenta