KWV, ‘The Mentors’ Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022, Stellenbosch (WO)

'One-Liner'
A powerful, beautifully composed Stellenbosch Cabernet, packed with cassis and dark cherry, framed by polished tannins, fragrant herbs and finely judged oak.

Tasting Note
Concentrated aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry and ripe plum are layered with eucalyptus, tobacco and a subtle touch of green pepper. Full-bodied and richly fruited, the palate combines succulent dark berries with firm, well-integrated tannins and generous oak, while fresh acidity keeps the wine poised and carries its savoury, gently spiced character through a long, structured finish.

Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape
Sub-Region: Stellenbosch WO
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.5%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
The Mentors is KWV’s small-batch, terroir-led collection, created to showcase exceptional vineyard parcels and give the winemaking team the freedom to pursue wines beyond the permanent range. This limited-edition Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a 2.56-hectare block in Stellenbosch’s Bottelary ward, a vineyard used for more than a decade as a component in The Mentors’ finest blends before the quality of the 2022 fruit earned it a release of its own. The grapes were carefully sorted and given a short cold maceration before fermentation, followed by malolactic fermentation and 18 months’ maturation in new French oak. A strict barrel selection reduced the final release to just 1,000 bottles.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Herb-roast saddle of lamb with dauphinoise potatoes
- Vegetarian: Puy lentil, caramelised onion and thyme tart
- Vegan: Roast beetroot, lentil and herb salad with a mustard dressing