2017 Rustenberg Peter Barlow Cabernet

The 2017 Peter Barlow perfectly captures the essence of the 2017 vintage with rich and elegant dark red fruits and dusty black fruit elements. On the nose, aromas of dark cherry, currant, cassis, blackberry, and black plum mix with subtle nuances of cedar, sweet tobacco, sage and delicate French baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is precise and thoughtful before unpacking layers of complexity across the mid-palate with lifting tannins and energetic acidity. The experience continues with flavors of smoked plum and roasted peppers fluttering with sweet vanilla tones and cinnamon and nutmeg. The long, drawn-out finish ends with tannic grip. Give this wine two more years of cellar age before opening and decant for an hour before enjoying. Drink through the next decade and a half. Just over 4,000 bottles were produced after aging two years in all French oak (64% new). Bravo, this is delicious. 92+ points

The 2017 Peter Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon is deep in colour. The attractive aromatics include intense blackberries, raspberry coulis, star anise and light liquorice scents that are well defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a slightly grainy texture. The oak is nicely enmeshed with black toasty fruit that segues into a spicy, almost Oriental-tinged (hoisin?) finish. This has a lot to offer, though I would be inclined to afford it another couple of years in bottle. 92 points