Buitenverwachting, Christine, Constantia

Nose with red berries, tobacco, leadpencil, liquorice and green pepper. On the palate; Great balance, silky tannins and good lenght. This bottle was better than the last one wich I drank two years ago.

Bottle purchased from winery on my honeymoon in 2008. Burnt smoky nose, some barnyard and capsicum elements were very strong initially but reduced with air. Medium mouthfeel, some tannins but well integrated. Smoky taste persists in the mouth overpowering the fruit, with some alcohol noticeable - balance is a little off, but i am not too put off though the wife, Christine, refuses to finish her glass. Overall, not a great bottle with a couple of points knocked off for …

The second bottle Christine turned out much nicer. Typical Cab and a relief that it wasn't smokey as many southafricans turned out to be.

Lacking structure, watery on the palate.

Last bottle was corked so I was excited to try it again and this bottle was a big step forward. On the nose: Mint, tobacco, cherries and barnyard whiffs. Mediumbodied with striking balance and good acid, on the palate red berries, herbs, tobacco and cedar and quite good length. Good without food too.

Corked. Smell of wet cellar, dried out with no fruit.

A nice CS. Not very heavy and also easy drinking without food.

Wine Education Service - South Africa - Constantia (LSE) : A developed nose but still very fruity, the cabernet franc is noticeable. Distinct Bordeaux style, at its peak, could be French.