The MR de Compostella is consistently one of SA's very best wines. The 2018 is brilliantly realised; uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence, following on from the consistency of the past. It impresses us with its effortless power and balance – a South African benchmark indeed!

Mzokona Mvemve and Bruwer Raats' methodology is simple – make the best possible wines from the vintage, vinified separately, and then select only the very best barrels. Once selected, these are tasted by Mzo and Bruwer and only the samples rated above 90 qualify for De Compostella status and go into the blend… that's if the vintage is good enough! Hence, there will be no 2019. Like all previous releases, high praise for the 2018 is sure to follow.

The 2018 MR de Compostella is a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. As one of the first 'big ticket' Stellenbosch 2018s to be released, it is an assured and emphatic wine. Although yields were down by 30%, the dry, drought conditions produced a wine with wonderful tannin weight. Already delicious, seductive and powerful, this is set to mature over the next 10 – 15 years.

The critics over the years...

'It's a classic, refined, effortlessly stylish blend of mostly Cabernet Franc.' – Tim Atkin MW, 95/100 (2014 vintage)

'Classically conceived Cape Bordeaux blend,a benchmark in SA for the style. 2014 in perfect harmony.' – Platter's Guide, 5* (2014 vintage)

'Classy stuff.' – Winemag Prescient Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report 2018, Top 10 (2014 vintage)

'A compelling wine with a classic nose more reminiscent of a fine, opulent Cru Classe Pauillac.' – Greg Sherwood MW, 97/100 (2015 vintage)

'This is the eleventh vintage of this outstanding Bordeaux style blend and it may well be the best yet.' – Tim Atkin MW, 96/100 (2015 vintage)

'A profound wine of beauty and certainly this winery's most noteworthy release since its blockbuster 2015.' – Greg Sherwood MW, 98+/100 (2017 vintage)

'Iconic cab-driven, 5-way Bordeaux blend shows consummate craftsmanship. 2017 an uncompromising, visceral expression.' – Platter's Guide, 94/100, (4.5*) (2017 vintage)

''Our idea is to make a consistent, world class ultra premium wine,' says Bruwer Raats of MR de Compostella, the wine he makes with Mzokhona Mvemve. No one would deny that they've succeeded.' – Tim Atkin MW, 95/100 (2016 vintage)

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Tasting notes

Mvemve Raats, De Compostella 2018

Notes of oak spice and graphite introduce a brooding mélange of dark fruit, hinting at the charming and plush textured palate to follow. It is quite inviting and seductive at present with an abundance of attractive aromas leading to a taut entry over granular and dense tannins. All balanced by a finely weaved acidity, ensuring freshness and vibrancy. The overall impression is of a wine of considerable power, yet expressing a refined weightlessness. It is a great MR, similar to the highly praised 2008 vintage and will offer great drinking for the next 10 – 15 years. Effortless density, while also seamless and linear. 14.5% alc. – James Pietersen (April 2021)

Notes on the 2017 vintage:

Superbly bright and lifted, this classy wine reveals attractive perfumed notes of cherry blossom, violets, lilacs and fresh rose petals underpinned by seductive chocolate coated red cherries, crème de cassis, sweet sappy sandalwood spice, bay leaves, fresh pencil shavings and crushed granite rocks. Super fine and minerally tightly focused, the vivacious palate shows layers of cigar box, maraschino cherry, crushed black berries, cedar spice and fine-grained mineral sandy tannins. With little to no perceptible oak character, this impressive blend finishes with a very long, minerally accented persistence that is both compelling and incredibly pretty. A profound wine of beauty and certainly this winery's most noteworthy release since its blockbuster 2015. – Greg Sherwood MW, 98+/100

The price has taken a bit of a leap since the last release, but there's no denying the quality or track record of this exceptional Bordeaux red blend. Cabernet Franc-led, with 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot providing the supporting cast, this is a focused, youthful, appealingly self-assured red that combines fine-grained tannins, with scented 55% new wood and fine red berry, tobacco and blueberry fruit. 2022-29. – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 96/100

43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. Matured for 24 months in French oak, 30% new. Red and black fruit, fresh herbs and pencil shavings on the nose. The palate, meanwhile, shows pure fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Relatively medium bodied and austere, this is as classy as ever. – Winemag Prescient Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report 2020, Top 10

Iconic cab-driven, 5-way Bordeaux blend shows consummate craftsmanship. 2017 an uncompromising, visceral expression of earthy currants, with thumping tannins & muscular body, yet refined, pure & focused. – Platter's Guide, 94/100 (4.5*)

Quite classic on the nose and palate, this is still a vibrant, youthful wine with much more to give. Weighty and concentrated on the palate, with vibrant dark-fruit notes. Fresh acidity, well-integrated oak and fine tannic structure; this will age very well. Refined and complex. Drinking Window 2022 - 2030. – Decanter, 95/100

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