Stark-Conde Oude Nektar Cabernet 2017 [TA 97 ,5 * P]

This is the fourth vintage of this wine after re-planting. Our idea has always been to make what is basically a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from this unique vineyard. It is not a true single-vineyard in that we have blended in barrel selections of the best of our other vineyards. The Cabernet has a very intense cassis aroma with unique citrus-rind notes. It has a firmer tannin structure than many of our wines, but still with the elegance for which Jonkershoek Valley wines are known. This wine is based around the highest elevation vineyard on the estate, which at 550m is arguably one of Stellenbosch’s highest Cabernet vineyards. The site has very stoney decomposed granite soils, and a perfect aspect toward the afternoon sun. Although this vineyard gets a cooling breeze, it averages 45 minutes more sunlight each day which allows for a slower ripening period. This Bordeaux-style blend is matured for about 20 months in French oak barrel (70% new) before being bottled with no fining and no filtration. Tim Atkin 97/100 Winemag.com 97/100 Five Stars - John Platter "Cabernet from farm’s highest vineyard (550m) with drops of petit verdot & merlot. Majestic 2017 supersedes 2016 (4.5 stars, 94 pts) with intense cassis & black cherry fruit, dark choc-orange richness enhanced by 70% new oak. Supremely elegant, with fresh acidity & svelte tannins." #2017D