André van Rensburg Artisan Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2020 Bottle size: 750ml

‘This Van Rensburg red features 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot but also includes a small addition of 7% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc and the wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barriques, 50% of them new. The aromatics are set to slow-release and gently ease their way out the glass in a leisurely fashion to reveal a complex melange of earthy violets, melted milk chocolate, forest berries, freshly tilled earth, raspberry liquor chocolates and undertones of dried herbs, melted tar and black berry compote. The palate is silky soft and beautifully elegant with a medium-bodied weight, soft brittle tannins and an almost 2017-esque weightless concentration of black berries, red currants, light soy, cherry tobacco and crème de cassis. There is an incredibly fine, seamless mouthfeel that is cool, compact and incredibly classical and fine boned. This is André flexing his winemaking muscles to the max, creating a superstar Bordeaux blend that is going to make some serious waves in the local and international marketplace. I feel privileged to vinously share in the next chapter of this great winemaker’s wine journey. Drink now or cellar for 15+ years.’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 97/100

‘Matured for 18 months in 225-litre barrels, 50% new. The nose shows cassis, plum, fresh herbs, milk chocolate and pencil shavings while the palate is rich and round – lots of ripe fruit, the tannins very fine making for a smooth-textured drinking experience. Alcohol is 14.5% and this has a breadth about it that is starting to look like the hallmark of this particular vintage.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100

‘Attractive aromas abound with lots of oak spice, wonderful youthful fruit followed by savoury spice and again a distinct fynbos/bouquet garni interest. The fruit cascades beautifully from red to blackberry with licks of cocoa powder, followed by layers of earth and ripe tobacco. The entry is fresh, bright and lively, a line of crushed minerality cutting the balanced powerful and detailed tannins. A seamless wine of great fruit depth, integrated oak and incredible focus.’ – James Pietersen, February 2023

‘This first red wine to be release is produced from what is without doubt AvR’s signature two red grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, with the addition of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The wine enjoyed 18 months in French oak barriques, half of them new. Approachable on release, expect this to drink well into the next decade.’ – Richard Kelley MW, Dreyfus Ashby