Mvemve Raats De Compostella 2018 Bottle size: 750ml

'The 2018 MR de Compostella is a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It presents a compelling bouquet of blackberry, charcoal, cedar and tobacco, all showing wonderful delineation and focus. But it is not the most flamboyant on the nose compared to other vintages; this takes its time to open at a stately pace. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, perfectly judged acidity, a silky-smooth texture and an utterly harmonious, complex finish. Residues of allspice and clove linger on the long aftertaste. Brilliant. Drink 2023-2045.' – Neal Martin, Vinous, 97/100 (Nov 2021)

'The 2018 MR de Compostella is a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in colour, one sniff of the bouquet reveals another truly towering effort with incredible perfume lift, a complex melange of red and black berry fruits and the most fabulously integrated oaking imaginable. The nose is loaded with black cherry kirsch liquor, black truffle, crushed violets, crème de cassis, mulberries, graphite and freshly tilled earth nuances. Despite an extensive elevage in French oak barriques, the sweet cedary wood spice and vanilla pod notes play very much a subtle supporting role allowing the bold multi-dimensional fruit intensity to take centre stage. While only medium-bodied, the palate is super sleek, laser focused and intense, washing over the senses in energetic waves of saline cassis, black cherries, black plum and baked blueberries. This is classical winemaking at its very best where a harmonious freshness combines with beautifully silky poised tannins to deliver a wine with not only overt mouth-watering appeal but also plenty of latent structural depth. Undoubtedly another individually monumental wine that displays the brilliance of the special Mvemve-Raats winemaking partnership clearly for all to see. Old school and New World all at the same time, this is a wine that will appeal to the classicists as much as to the New World connoisseurs. Drink it on release or bury it in your cellar for 25+ years for further rewards.' – Greg Sherwood MW, 97/100

'Iconic 5-way Cape Bordeaux blend, cab franc-led 2018 scales the heights. Sublime focus, ripe black fruit, plumpness & texture in perfect harmony. Seamless & elegantly muscular, made for cellaring. 18 months French oak, half new. Easily trumps fine 2017 (4.5 stars, 94 pts).' – Platter's Guide, 5* (96/100)

'The good reputation of 2017 is now well established whereas 2018 is generally viewed as having been “challenging”. That said, the recently released MR de Compostella from Bruwer Raats and company, supersedes the 2017 in quality, at least at this early stage. Somewhat surprisingly given the amount of Cab Franc, the result is a muscular, full-bodied wine. Red and black berries, violets, some leafy character and cigar box on the nose while the palate is substantial but also entirely seamless – good depth of fruit and fine tannins. It’s an impeccably well managed offering as followers of this label have come to expect.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100