The 2018 Paul Sauer is backward, almost surly on the nose and needs a few minutes to really find its voice, offering blackberry, raspberry coulis, aniseed and light floral scents. The oak is very well integrated here. The harmonious palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, and one of the most sensual I can recall in recent years. Suave and sophisticated, this is Cape wine from the top drawer. 96 points

Inky crimson, almost black at the core. Dark, spicy, intense, powerful but introverted now. Concentrated black fruit, lovely depth and muscular richness but without being a body-builder wine. As it opens in the glass, peppery with pure cassis and just a tiny and attractive hint of leafiness. Even a touch of violets, which is unusual on a wine dominated by the Cabernets. Chewy, long and satisfying. Dark-chocolate aftertaste. Powerful, unreconstructed, classic. Big but all beautifully in harmony. Great length. 17.5+