2017 Anwilka, Stellenbosch 3x150cl

Jane Anson 94

Concentrated cassis and damson fruits, bitter black chocolate that is set against tight tannins, all softened by toasted oak cedar and fresh elderflower and redcurrant acidities. This is built to last, and even at four years old I would suggest leaving another year or two. An excellent vintage in Stellenbosch with a warm summer and long, cool ripening during harvest, and there are plenty of subtle layers of flavour here.  3.6ph. 50% new oak and 50% one year old French barrels, all 400l in size.

Drinking window: 2024-2028

Review date: 15/11/2021

Neal Martin 92

The 2017 Anwilka was aged for 19 months in 50% new oak (400-liter barrels) and the rest in second-fill. It has a pure, seductive bouquet of boysenberry and cassis fruit, the vanilla-y oak seamlessly integrated and not imposing itself like older vintages of Anwilka. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins, and slightly granular in texture, presenting layered black fruit laced with tobacco, allspice and touches of cassis. Very seductive on the finish. This is an almost Napa-like Anwilka that requires 3–4 years in barrel.

Drinking window: 2024-2040

Review date: 01/04/2021