Duncan Savage, who was previously the winemaker at Cape Point Vineyards, introduced his own label in 2011. Savage's goal is to produce rock-solid classic and elegant wines. Through his time at Cape Point, Duncan grew to understand maritime vineyards a little better. This knowledge led him to source grapes for Savage from maritime and high altitude sites. Duncan is also inspired by many great older reds from South Africa and abroad that have stood the test of time with moderate alcohol and gentle extraction.
The 2016 is a blend of 41% Cinsault, 35% Grenache and 24% Syrah, with grapes carefully chosen from a number of high altitude and maritime vineyards around the Western Cape farmed by guys who are as passionate about the sites as Duncan is. In the cellar, vinification is very hands off-- with such special sites, it would be a shame to blemish the essence of the terroir. Minimal new oak and large barrels, all Burgundian, are the only ones used.
Our tasting notes: A Rhône-y nose but with South African garrique, red berries, smoke, underbrush and wet earth. The palate starts with bright fruit and spice and is joined by layers of tannins and peppercorns, cranberry, red plum and raspberry. Excellent viscous mouthfeel and acidity, red currant and tart cherry on the finish, highlighted with touches of dark spices and loamy earth.
MASTERS OF WINE 95+ POINTS - "The 2016 vintage looks set to impress critics yet again. It sings a lofty melodic chorus the moment the cork is pulled. The riper, dryer vintage plays to the strengths of these red varieties with a seductive perfumed nose of parma violets, sweet cherry blossom, bathroom soaps, rose petals and potpourri sweet spice. Its brilliance lies in the synergy created marrying the vibrant marzipan laden Cinsault with the sappy, mineral, red fruited Grenache, leaving the Syrah to lend a tantalizing depth of structure and peppery savoriness. The palate is seamless, harmonious and elegant with sweet boiled raspberry bonbons, red currant herbal tea infusions, ripe cranberries, and a crunchy, vibrant, strawberry-fruited finale. Sweet, silky, fleshy tannins linger on a creamy, opulent, energetic finish. Perhaps less of the exotic, crunchy hubris of the 2015, but the 2016 is a far more self assured, confident wine that looks set to once and for all, cement its global icon status as one of the truly great fine wines to follow, year in, year out. Drink now to 2030+"
The 2016 is a blend of 41% Cinsault, 35% Grenache and 24% Syrah, with grapes carefully chosen from a number of high altitude and maritime vineyards around the Western Cape farmed by guys who are as passionate about the sites as Duncan is. In the cellar, vinification is very hands off-- with such special sites, it would be a shame to blemish the essence of the terroir. Minimal new oak and large barrels, all Burgundian, are the only ones used.
Our tasting notes: A Rhône-y nose but with South African garrique, red berries, smoke, underbrush and wet earth. The palate starts with bright fruit and spice and is joined by layers of tannins and peppercorns, cranberry, red plum and raspberry. Excellent viscous mouthfeel and acidity, red currant and tart cherry on the finish, highlighted with touches of dark spices and loamy earth.
MASTERS OF WINE 95+ POINTS - "The 2016 vintage looks set to impress critics yet again. It sings a lofty melodic chorus the moment the cork is pulled. The riper, dryer vintage plays to the strengths of these red varieties with a seductive perfumed nose of parma violets, sweet cherry blossom, bathroom soaps, rose petals and potpourri sweet spice. Its brilliance lies in the synergy created marrying the vibrant marzipan laden Cinsault with the sappy, mineral, red fruited Grenache, leaving the Syrah to lend a tantalizing depth of structure and peppery savoriness. The palate is seamless, harmonious and elegant with sweet boiled raspberry bonbons, red currant herbal tea infusions, ripe cranberries, and a crunchy, vibrant, strawberry-fruited finale. Sweet, silky, fleshy tannins linger on a creamy, opulent, energetic finish. Perhaps less of the exotic, crunchy hubris of the 2015, but the 2016 is a far more self assured, confident wine that looks set to once and for all, cement its global icon status as one of the truly great fine wines to follow, year in, year out. Drink now to 2030+"