2011 Rust en Vrede Cape Winemakers Guild Estate

Wine: 2011 Rust en Vrede Cape Winemakers Guild Estate
Estate: Rust en Vrede
Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Winemaker: Coenie Snyman
Elevage: 22 months in 100% new French Oak.
Varietals: Blend with Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
Decant: One hour and a half.
Location: Drank at The Butcher Shop in Sandton City on 12/21/2015.

Tasting Note:

This wine was a dark and opaque purple. The nose was full of chalk, cassis, and raspberries. As it opened up there came along some tobacco, and spices. Kind of like a cigar box. Palate was covered with cassis and blackberries, very thick. Moderate plus tannins (6.5) with a moderate body. Full long and lingering finish (10+ seconds easily) that had moderate plus drying intensity (7/10). Beautifully well balances and can easily integrate more but that does not mean you have to wait. Favorite wine of the dinner for sure, drank up against the 2012 Luddite Wines Niels Verburg and the 2010 Haskell Merlot Cape Winemakers Guild. Both excellent wines but just not up to par with the Rust en Vrede CWG Estate. This wine could easily last another 10+ years in the cellar. 

Dates: Drink till 2028.
Rating: 94
Price: $$$ - We believe it went for around R1,400 per bottle at the auction, so around $130.00.

2001 Thelema Cape Winemakers Guild Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Wine: 2001 Thelema Cape Winemakers Guild Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Estate: Thelema Mountain Vineyards
Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Winemaker: Rudi Schultz
Elevage: Unknown.
Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Decant: Unknown.
Location: Drank at Thelema Mountain Vineyards with Gyles Webb on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

This wine was a deep, dark and opaque ruby red. The nose was thick and full of dark berries and cassis. Seemed slightly Napa-like. Very thick and plush, overflowing with voluptuous dark berries. Very extracted, full and rich. Moderate plus tannins (6.5) with a full body. Full long and lingering finish (10+ seconds easily). Full of dark fruits until the end where it goes slightly dry. This was a complete surprise. Gyles completely spoiled us with the two Cape Winemakers Guild wines and two very old bottles from his own cellar! This wine could easily last another 10 years in the cellar. 

Dates: Drink till 2026.
Rating: 97
Price: Unknown, if we could find it we would buy it!