Provenance

Critics Ratings

'Served blind, I identified the wine and producer, but guessed a younger vintage because of its youthfulness. Indeed, it had hardly aged since I tasted it in 2011. A blend of 37.5% Cabernet Franc, 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 7.5% Petit Verdot and 7.5% Merlot aged for 24 months in one-third new oak, it retains a limpid ruby hue with little ageing. The Cabernet Franc occupies the driving seat on the nose with plush but beautifully defined red fruit laced with rose petals, iodine (from the Petit Verdot?) and a scintilla of blueberry. Over the period of two hours, it gains more delineation and focus. The palate is beautifully balanced, as fresh as it was several years ago, that sweet core of red fruit, raspberry and cranberry, in situ with refined tannins and a seamless, almost melted and slightly ferrous finish that belies the structure. This has a 30-year lifespan and it’s only now beginning to show what it is capable of. If you cannot find what you’re looking for in the forthcoming en primeur releases, this alternative will give just as much pleasure.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 96/100 (May 2021)

‘A blend of 37.5% Cabernet Franc, 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 7.5% Petit Verdot and 7.5% Merlot aged for 24 months in 1/3 new oak barrels, the sensational 2008 De Compostella has a very pure, seductive nose that carries that oak discretely, displaying the intensity of precision of a top quality Claret. The palate is medium bodied with very fine tannins, very fresh and seductive with a beautifully polished, seamless finish that is simply world-class. This sensual, consummate Bordeaux blend should age gracefully over a decade. Bravo! Drink 2014-2025.’ - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 96/100 (2011)

'Cab & cab f equal shares (37.5%) in 2008 blend (sample) of 5 Bdx varieties. Focused dark berries & liquorice interplay with flinty menthol & black olives. Complex, compelling purity & layered texture. Long mineral finish. 24 mths Fr oak. Ageworthy.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2011, 4.5*