2012 Anwilka, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Red | Ready, but will improve | Anwilka | Code: 37596 | 2012 | South Africa > Stellenbosch | Cab.Sauvignon Blend | Medium-Full Bodied, Dry | 14.5 % alcohol
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Scores and Reviews
The Producer
Anwilka Vineyard started as a joint venture between Bordeaux’s Bruno Prats, former owner of Ch. Cos d'Estournel, Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, co-proprietor of Ch. Angélus in Bordeaux, and Lowell Jooste of South Africa’s Klein Constantia Estate.
Located in the prime red wine region of Helderberg in Stellenbosch, the vineyard was purchased in 1997, and production of Anwilka wines commenced in 2005.
In May 2012, Anwilka Vineyards merged with Klein Constantia Estate, having been purchased the previous year by Zdenek Bakala and Charles Harman. The vineyards are run by manager Piet Neethling and the wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz with the addition of Merlot in some vintages, is made by the very personable South African oenologist Jean du Plessis under the guidance of Prats and de Boüard.
The philosophy of the owners is simply to spare no cost when it comes to wine quality. Resources are not squandered on lavish gateways and buildings, and the winery feels more like a modern farm outbuilding. The wine is exceptional, with the influence of its Bordeaux mentors clear for all to see.
The Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself particularly well in blends with Merlot. This is actually the archetypal Bordeaux blend, though in different proportions in the sub-regions and sometimes topped up with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
In the Médoc and Graves the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend can range from 95% (Mouton-Rothschild) to as low as 40%. It is particularly suited to the dry, warm, free- draining, gravel-rich soils and is responsible for the redolent cassis characteristics as well as the depth of colour, tannic structure and pronounced acidity of Médoc wines. However 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be slightly hollow-tasting in the middle palate and Merlot with its generous, fleshy fruit flavours acts as a perfect foil by filling in this cavity.
In St-Emilion and Pomerol, the blends are Merlot dominated as Cabernet Sauvignon can struggle to ripen there - when it is included, it adds structure and body to the wine. Sassicaia is the most famous Bordeaux blend in Italy and has spawned many imitations, whereby the blend is now firmly established in the New World and particularly in California and Australia.
The Region
Stellenbosch is South Africa’s best-known wine region, producing a wide variety of wines from leading estates, even though it accounts for less than 20 per cent of the country’s total production. Designated wards within the wine region are Jonkershoek Valley, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, Bottelary, Devon Valley and Papegaaiberg.
At 17,500 hectares, Stellenbosch remains the Cape's most famous and important fine wine district, thanks to its proximity to Cape Town, to the cooling influences of False Bay, its mountainous (ie Helderberg, Simonsberg), granitic topography and its centres of learning such as Elsenburg Agricultural College.
It's notable for the refinement of its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, especially from the likes of Glenelly Estate, Keermont Vineyards Oldenburg Vineyards, Raats Family and Anwilka
A perennial favourite of ours, this a South African wine that truly melds the best of Old world sensibility with progressive Cape winemaking at an exceptionally affordable price.
Under the direction of Bruno Prats, former owner of Ch. Cos d'Estournel, and Hubert de Boüard, owner of Ch. Angélus, this is a joint venture with South Africa’s Klein Constantia estate. The story is one of a singular passion for excellence. They sought out a unique and superior terroir with a climate where the grapes could ripen fully and yet offer maximum finesse and elegance; their aim was to create a wine to compete with the very best in the world, which could express the power and potential of South Africa, balanced with the classical style of the great wines from Bordeaux, Tuscany and the Napa Valley.
Robert Parker tasted the first vintage of Anwilka (2005) and his comments were as follows: "Fabulous...this is the finest red wine I have ever had from South Africa...”
Brooding and dark, there is a smoky bacon rind element on the nose that transports you instantly to Syrah (87% of the blend) from the Northern Rhone. The cassis and menthol undertones give away the inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon (13% this year). Aged for 13 months in 400l French oak barrels (50% new), the wood is perfectly integrated to the tight structure and complements the suave, ripe fruit on the palate. This will need decanting if you’re planning on drinking this in the next year or two. Drink 2017 to 2025.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager
At first a very shy and reticent nose, with time and gentle coaxing we get hints of Black berry and morello cherry, hints of graphite and black pepper, Asian spice. The medium palate is tightly wound with fine grained tannins, and great tension created by the well balanced acidity, a great balance of minerality patiently ties off the great length. This is a classy wine, more similarities to the Old world style with its earthy, lifted savoury character. The nearest to a Bordeaux wine you’ll get in the Cape.
Stuart Rae, Private Account Manager