Van Biljon Cinq 2018 Bottle size: 750ml

‘Always small and always boutique, this singular Cape Bordeaux blend Cinq from Van Biljon has always been about top quality as well as expressing the premium terroir of the Polkadraai Hills in Stellenbosch. The 2018 is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 9% Malbec, all aged in French oak barrels for 18 months after fermentation. Following on from a very influential, high flying 2017 vintage, the challenge for winemaker Chris Keet and the Van Biljon team was always going to be about strict grape selection to allow the very best fruit to enter the production process. 2018 was a more challenging year but with most premium examples on the market already, the vintage has slowly but surely carved out its own niche among connoisseurs and consumers, with wines of generosity, intensity, acid structure, but also elegance and finesse that can be approached over the short to medium term. This Cabernet Sauvignon dominated wine is initially quite savoury, dark and broody on opening but within a short amount of time, starts to reveal lifted perfumed notes of earthy red flowers, violets, and pressed rose petals together with pure black currant, black plum and mulberry hints. There is that unmistakable earthy, peaty note of freshly tilled damp earth that is so typical of Stellenbosch Bordeaux blends, which lends a familiar, comforting charm. On the palate, the expression is one of elegance, sleek focus and freshness, with a soft seductive savoury mineral tannin vein, earthy red and black currant fruits, but also a silky finesse undoubtedly encouraged by the high Cabernet Franc component. This is a delightful expression that may well be more approachable now than either of the block buster 2015 or 2017 Cinq editions but is certainly a wine that will comfortably slumber and mature with benefit for another 10+ years in your cellar.’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 95/100

'The team is astute enough not to change a winning formula. Bordeaux blend uses all 5 varieties, per wine's name, leading with cab at 49%. Spent 18 months in barrique, just 10% new, & impressive in its fruit richness, complexity, polish & classic styling.' – Platter's Guide, 5*(95/100)

'This wine makes a bold statement with its powerful structure and expressive fruit composition. The classic oak character is seamlessly integrated with the fruit and the fresh berry acid gives the wine vibrance and purity of fruit. The firm, polished tannins are in perfect harmony with the wine leaving a lingering fruit sensation and satisfaction.' – Winemaker