Babylonstoren - Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Pairing Suggestions
Babylonstoren - Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (87 TSW)
This traditional Cape Dutch working wine and fruit farm is surrounded by the mountains of the Drakenstein valley, where nomadic Khoisan communities used to roam for centuries. French Huguenot, Pieter van der Byl, was granted Babylonstoren in 1692. The first vineyards were planted and the original buildings were constructed on the farm.
Babylonstoren is situated on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain between thewine growing areas of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa.
In the current history of Babylonstoren, the first harvest was celebrated on 11 January 2011 with Chardonnay forming the base wine and come 11 January 2012 saw the farm celebrated the start of 2012 harvest and one year anniversary of winemaking in the cellar. The garden is the pride and joy of this farm with only medicinal and edible plants.
About the wine:
Klapmuts/Longlands type soils of Malmesbury shale origin, as well as Oakleaf and Hutton type soils of Cape granite origin.
Grapes picked from eight different vineyard blocks. Matured in a combination of 40% new and 60% second- and third-fill 300 litre oak barrels for 18 months before being bottled and matured for three months prior to release.
My tasting notes:
In the glass a dark crimson red color with purple reflections.
On the medium nose aromas of blackberries, dark cherries and red plums with hints of chocolate, cedar and vanilla.
On the palate dry, full-bodied with medium tannins and medium acidity. Flavours of black fruits, cassis and baking spices with a medium+ length finish.
Food pairing: Oxtail stew, fillet of beef, well-seasoned peppery lamb, burger with tangy blue cheese, buttery and garlicky Portobello mushrooms.
Cheese pairing: Gorgonzola, cheesy polenta, aged cheddar or gouda.