MR de Compostella, Raats Family Wines 2014

The 2014 De Compostella is a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 18% Malbec, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, each from different parcels around Stellenbosch, including one new parcel from the Faure vineyard for this vintage. Bruwer told me that the barrels are tasted blind and scored, and they are whittled down to the best until they have the best wine. It boasts a very impressive bouquet with superb delineation and focus: blackberry, bilberry, a light marine influence and a hint of tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin on the entry that probably belies the structure of this wine. It is very harmonious, as usual, with a lovely sappiness towards the finish. Not as intense as other vintages that I have tasted, nevertheless it is one of the most refined, and perhaps the 2014 will require less bottle age than in previous seasons. In a word: class. 2020 - 2038