Wine Pilot: 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, 95 pts

This comes off the Bekkers Clarendon Estate Vineyard and is predominantly cabernet sauvignon with about 14% cabernet franc, adding lift to the red-fruit aromatics on the nose and no doubt refining the palate. It's had a mix of puncheons and hogsheads, about 34% of it new. There's a beautiful perfume — black currant, a slightly African-violet-like lift on the nose, with deeper traces of black olive. The palate is seamlessly integrated, and while generous, has a medium-bodied feel. The tannin contribution works well, sitting harmoniously in the background and allowing the fruit to fully express itself. There's a typical energy and verve here, driving the wine through to a sustained, long finish. It has potential for further aging but is drinking quite beautifully right now.

CELLAR: 15 years