2015 Anwilka

The 2015 Anwilka is a blend of 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 64% Shiraz and 7% Petit Verdot fermented in tronconic tanks and matured in 50% new French oak for 14 months. It has a very refined bouquet of pure black currant and bilberry fruit, less powerful yet more composed than some of the earlier vintages of Anwilka. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, well-judged acidity and notes of blackberry, pain grillé , white pepper and clove. It lingers nicely, gently fanning out on the finish to complete what is a very classy Anwilka to enjoy over the next decade.

The 2015 Anwilka is open-knit on the nose with a tight, dark core of dusty, chewy fruit. With 64% Syrah, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot, there is dusty blackberry, bitter dark chocolate and black pepper spices that all mingle on the nose and mid-palate. Toward the finish, the back is structured and tight, with slightly grainy tannins that will last for years to come. The wine ends with a bold, long finish. This is a well-made wine that has both power and finesse and currently is part of the Klein Constantia lineup. It's a tasty wine!

The 2015 Anwilka spent a total of 14 months in wood, 50% new French oak 400-liter barrels and the remaining 50% second-fill. It has a tightly wound bouquet of blackberry and boysenberry fruit and the oak is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with quite grainy tannin and a little drier than expected - to wit, a more classic Anwilka compared to previous vintages, with a Médoc-like finish that feels a little severe at the moment.