Stark Conde Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. Set in the picturesque and rugged Jonkershoek Valley in Stellenbosch, Stark Conde is a family-run winery with some 85 acres currently under vine. The valley is characterised by steep changes in elevation with vineyards varying between 150-600 metres above sea level. This helps to create complex, multi-faceted wines which are crafted using traditional techniques and precise methods including hand-sorting of the grapes and small-batch fermentation. This robust Cabernet is made in a powerful yet approachable style from fruit sourced from four Stellenbosch mountain vineyards planted on the region’s characteristic iron-rich granite soils. The grapes are typically harvested in mid-March at optimum maturity and are carefully sorted manually to ensure only top quality fruit goes into this bottling. Following vinification the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 20 months before being bottled and released. Crushed blackberries, cedar and tea leaf notes characterise the nose while the palate offers intense dark berry notes seasoned with dried herbs, mocha and cigar box spice. The powerful flavour profile is complemented by firm tannins and a well-built structure which will mellow over the next few years in the cellar. A great partner for typical South African braai or barbecue or roasted red meats.

Price: £16.99 from 8wines UK