Stark-Conde, Three Pines Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch

Juicy and open, but what takes it to another level are sophisticated notes of black tea, graphite, singed vanilla. This vintner has always been a hit for me.

A big bold flavorful Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark red/purple color, good legs, nice varietal nose. Lots of flavor and a well structured body. 88% Cabernet Sauvignon with 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec. Winner of lots of awards in South Africa (see producer's info at: https://stark-conde.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/sc_fact_3pinescab_2016-2.pdf.) Not a subtle wine but an excellent well made wine for those who like that style.

Full-bodied, the entry is richly textured with a black currant skin feel assuaged by a creamy centre and gentle oak nuances. The mid-palate, though, feels firmer with chewy, almost tar-edge tannins that build a little to the finish. Certainly dense, but perhaps a little foursquare, the wine exhibits fabulous concentration, power muscle and sinew with good depth of flavour. However, the finish is a little blunted by the rising tannins, and the wine lacks charm and complexity. Still enjoyable with …

Very fine cabernet. Complex nose with grafit, cassis, a bit of bell pepper and earthy notes. In the mouth medium plus density and nicely balanced acidity. A tought of it as a cross between a left bank Bordeaux and a Napa Valley Cabernet. It should age well.

Mid+ purple-ruby; Plenty of herbs and blackcurrant leaf, along with dark fruits, graphite, and a curious perfume of grape pomace and a red apple. Rather an open attack showing some elevated VA, slightly smudged, then a grappa, pomace element with a bitter character. This seems to pass on to a warm more generous, blackcurrant infused mid-palate with some chocolate notes. However, the finish veers back to a slightly bitter cherry stone tannin that sticks out. Definitely got better in glass …

Excellent, really excellent.

Smoky, tarry curran nose. Full and assertive palate; big and solid with a long, charred finish. 4/5

Aromas of high toned red fruits a la Washington state. Great aroma nuance and at the same time clarity. The polish of cherry jolly rancher. 'Crunchy cranberry.'. Palate doesn't quite do what the nose does, but one of the best south African wines that I have had to date.