Buitenverwachting’ flagship red, named after Lars’ iconic mother. A Bordeaux blend, led by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, featuring small parts Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Old school Cabernet Sauvignon, though. It takes us back to some of the traditional styles of Bordeaux and California. And while not either of those, as there’s a slight lick of something that gives it away as South African, it’s exceptional. It’s concentrated with a decent amount of tannin that should help this age for another 10 years. But drinking this now is great. The nose, just sublime, you could sip this all day long.

#Tasting#

On any trip to South Africa, Buitenverwachting is almost always our first port of call on landing. It is the most wonderful place to sit and taste outside, and enjoy some fine food, with the ever-genial owner and host Lars Maack close by, aided by the brilliant Brad Paton, their highly talented winemaker. Buitenverwachting is a historic Constantia estate, with the name meaning Beyond Expectation.” It originally formed part of the Constantia estate which was founded by Simon Van De Stel, the first Governor of the New Dutch Colony of The Cape, who we know planted vines on his farm.