For wine enthusiasts, the allure of red wines is timeless, and this fascination was taken to new heights at Caroline’s Red Wine Review event. Offering a captivating insight into the diverse and enchanting world of fine red wines, the occasion proved to be a memorable gathering for all wine lovers.
Taking place at The Lookout in the iconic V&A Waterfront, Caroline’s Red Wine Review brought together an exclusive selection of Western Cape’s best flagship red wines under one roof. The event was carefully curated, with only 90 accolade-achieving winemakers receiving invitations to present their most outstanding creation – their best of the best.
Guests had the rare opportunity to indulge in a walk-around wine tasting, mingling with fellow wine enthusiasts, collectors, sommeliers and producers. This created an ambiance of camaraderie and shared passion for the art of winemaking.
Throughout the evening, the air was filled with the aroma of rich and velvety red wines, each telling a unique story of its origin and craftsmanship. Attendees were treated to a sensory journey, exploring the depths of flavors and aromas that make red wines so beloved worldwide.
The setting at The Lookout in the V&A Waterfront was the perfect backdrop for such an event. With its breathtaking views and elegant ambiance, it enhanced the appreciation of the wines being showcased and provided a delightful atmosphere for wine enthusiasts to converge.
Wines we tasted:
Iona Solace Syrah 2021
Rich aromas of dark berries, black cherry and hints of spice. On the palate, you’ll experience a smooth and velvety texture, accompanied by flavours of blackberry, plum and a touch of black pepper. The wine’s tannins are well-integrated, leading to a lingering finish with a subtle smokiness and a touch of oak.
Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak 2021
The Galpin Peak Pinot Noir exhibits a bouquet of red fruit aromas, such as cherry and raspberry, with subtle floral notes and hints of spice. On the palate, it tends to be elegant and complex, with a well-balanced combination of fruit, earthiness and gentle tannins.
Bosman Upper Hemel & Aarde Pinot Noir 2021
Delicate aromas of red fruits like cherry and cranberry, sometimes with a touch of spice or earthiness. On the palate it’s elegant with soft tannins and a balanced acidity.
Catherine Marshall Finite Elements Pinot Noir 2019
Inviting red fruit aromas like cherry and raspberry, along with floral notes and subtle hints of spice. On the palate there is a balanced acidity and smooth tannins, offering a harmonious and lingering finish.
Creation Art of Pinot Noir 2021
The wine displays a lustrous, deep pomegranate-seed red colour and emanates a strong aroma of rose petal, dark cherry and anise. On the palate, it impresses with its complexity and captivating nature, featuring rich layers of cherry and plum harmoniously intertwined with earthy notes of mushroom, and a refined touch of spice that adds to its elegance.
Chamonix Pinot Noir Reserve 2021
The aroma offers delightful notes of cherry, wild red berries and crushed black pepper. Despite its firm structure and intense flavours, the wine’s textures are smooth and rounded, gradually expanding to an exceptional opulence and impressive length on the palate as it evolves with time.
Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2022
This Pinot Noir is characterised by its subtlety and is not overly fruity, soft or sweet. Instead, it often exhibits an enticing savoury and primal character, accompanied by a captivating dark, spicy, and complex primary fruit aroma.
Kershaw Clonal Selection Elgin Pinot Noir 2019
The wine’s captivating floral characteristics are enhanced by its purity, focus and freshness. It is complemented by fine powder tannins that provide structure, while a succulent texture cushions the overall experience. On the palate, one can savour flavours of black cherry, pomegranate, rose petal and raspberry, creating a truly delightful tasting experience.
Moya Meaker Elgin Pinot Noir 2021
The wine releases delightful aromas of dark roses, red and black cherries and a delicate hint of spice. The palate offers an expansive and mouth-coating experience, with succulent cherries, wild black plums and vibrant raspberries exploding with flavour and charm.
Newton Johnson Pinot Noir 2022
Layered and dense fruit of cherry, raspberry, blackberry, and Turkish delight alludes to the varied vineyard parcels. The broad, chewy texture engulfs the palate, framed by the thicker tannins, soft spices of cinnamon, clove and fennel in the finish.
Oak Valley Tabula Rasa South Ridge PN115 2018
The wine has intriguing aromas of truffle, black cherry, smoky oak and savoury notes. On the palate, you’ll discover flavours of pomegranate, dried strawberry and peach, culminating in a long and refreshing saline finish. The combination of these elements creates a captivating and balanced tasting experience.
Paul Cluver Seven Flags Pinot Noir 2018
Its aroma showcases an elegant expression of red and dark berry fruits, gracefully complemented by subtle soft oak notes. On the palate, you’ll experience a delightful combination of firm concentration and freshness, accompanied by enticing savoury notes.
Radford Dale Freedom Organic Pinot Noir 2021
The wine presents a generous and pure expression of the grape variety, elegantly blending red and purple fruit flavours. The palate delights with notes of wild strawberries, blackberries and spiced mulberries, providing depth and richness. The fine-grained tannins contribute to the overall structure, giving the wine a sense of gravitas and balance.
Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir 2022
The wine presents a multi-layered palate, with subtle notes of red cherries and raspberries shining through. Alongside these fruity flavours, you can also discover delicate hints of cloves and baking spices, adding depth and complexity to the overall tasting experience.
Tierhoek Grenache Noir OVP 2021
A delightful wine with delicate notes of strawberries, soft cherry expressions, watermelon, pomegranate and red grapefruit, creating a delightful array of fruity flavours. It also exhibits mineral undertones reminiscent of fresh berries, with a touch of zesty lemon. Notably, this wine is part of the Old Vine Project, which aims to safeguard and celebrate wines made from vines older than 35 years, adding to its allure and significance.
Bellevue 1953 Pinotage 2018
On the nose, this wine has inviting maraschino cherry and plum flavours, creating an enticing aromatic profile. The palate is further enhanced by a silky tannin structure, which adds a smooth and elegant texture. The wine finishes beautifully, leaving a lasting impression that lingers on the taste buds.
Beeslaar Pinotage 2021
The Beeslaar Pinotage offers a delightful bouquet with a subtle floral fragrance followed by prominent notes of cherries, plums, earth, spice and a hint of chocolate. On the palate, the fruit shines with purity and sweetness, accompanied by a refreshing presence. The tannins provide a solid structure, being firm yet finely balanced.
Bellingham Bush Vine Pinotage 2019
The aroma is generous, revealing enticing notes of black cherry and raspberry. As you delve further, you’ll discover flavours reminiscent of plum pudding and smoked meat, along with savoury hints of truffle, creating an intriguing complexity. The long and succulent finish is complemented by excellent integration of spice oak, adding to the wine’s overall richness and appeal.
Beyerskloof Diesel 2021
This is a robust and full-bodied wine, featuring intense dark fruit flavours that leave a lasting impression. Its depth and balance make for a well-rounded tasting experience, and the pleasant notes of chocolate and cedar on the finish are a result of the oak aging, adding complexity to the overall profile. This wine promises to be a rich and satisfying choice for those who enjoy bold and flavourful red wines.
Leeu Passant Dry Red 2020
Inviting aromas of mocha coffee and dark chocolate, harmoniously mingling with the essence of ripe plums and woody notes reminiscent of tobacco and cinnamon. On the palate, you’ll experience the delightful combination of ripe black fruit and wood spice, culminating in a long-lasting finish supported by firm tannins.
Groot Phesantekraal Berliet 2021
The wine showcases an array of bright red fruit on the nose, together with a bouquet of all spice, vanilla and cinnamon and nuances of dried rose petals. The palate is velvety with flavours of raspberry and mulberry which finishes with a lingering linear palate.
Illimis Pinotage 2022
The wine displays ample upfront charm, with a burst of fresh red fruit and violets that fill the glass. This Pinotage exudes a delicate style, showcasing both structure and intense flavour. The tannins are well-integrated, fine, and silky and the finish leaves a lingering impression of savoury freshness, accented by hints of fresh herbs and sour cherry notes.
Survivor Reserve Pinotage 2021
The wine’s aroma entices with aromas of blackberry fruit pastilles, freshly picked ripe cherries and a touch of spicy vanilla. The palate embraces the full-bodied and structured nature of the wine. It unfolds into a harmonious orchestra of flavours, continually evolving with each mouthful, promising a lasting and enjoyable experience.
Raats Family Cabernet Franc 2020
The wine’s nose is captivating, with a perfumed allure and a garrigue character reminiscent of Cape fynbos, rosemary, lavender and thyme, accompanied by spicy hints of nutmeg, cloves and star anise. The complexity of the aroma is further enriched by intense brooding blackberry fruit, subtle notes of graphite and a streak of minerality, creating a truly fascinating sensory experience.
Hogan Mirror For The Sun Cabernet Franc 2022
The wine exhibits a captivating bouquet, with an enchanting blend of red and black berries, complemented by alluring herbal notes, hints of Ceylon tea and rose fragrances. On the palate, the fruit presents itself with clarity and freshness, coupled with lively acidity and remarkably delicate tannins.
Botanica Big Flower Cabernet Franc 2021
This is a sophisticated and full-bodied red wine that showcases luscious dark fruit flavours, accompanied by subtle cedar notes and complemented by savoury, earthy undertones. With its bright acidity and gentle tannins, this wine proves to be a versatile companion for a wide range of dishes.
Rainbow’s End Merlot 2020
This Merlot is characterised by its prominent fruit-forward profile, boasting enticing aromas of plums and mulberry on the nose. With low alcohol levels, the wine offers a smooth and well-integrated palate, providing a delightful and balanced drinking experience.
Longridge Misterie 2017
A wine of complexity, balance and medium body. It features a savoury nose with subtle notes of cedar, boysenberries and blueberries. Ripe yet gentle tannins harmonise with the flavours of plump dark red fruit and ripe black cherries, leading to a lingering, refreshing finish.
Ladybird Vineyards Claypot Merlot 2018
The wine displays a deep, dark red color and opens up with incredible aromatics of dark chocolate, blackberry and leather. Full-bodied on the palate, it offers a juicy and flavourful experience with ripe and supple tannins. This well-balanced and alluring Merlot is sure to captivate your senses.
Holden Manz Merlot Reserve 2018
This full-bodied Merlot presents a delightful combination of black cherries and plum upon entry, followed by a complex mid-palate that keeps the experience intriguing. The finish is adorned with notes of mocha, making it very moreish and enticing. Soft, round tannins add to its appeal and the wine concludes with a long, velvety, and fruit-forward finish.
Vondeling Philosophie 2017
This wine is a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Its aroma bursts with vibrant red cherry and elevated floral notes. The wine is beautifully complemented by sweet vanilla and subtle wood shavings. On the palate, it showcases precision and boldness, with delightful tension. Ripe raspberry and cinnamon take the lead, supported by underlying layers of trimmed cigar and fine tannins, adding to its complexity and appeal.
De Toren Fusion V 2020
This wine is meticulously crafted using Bordeaux’s ‘Noble Five’ varietals. With its complex flavours of dark sour cherry, a tobacco spiciness and a hint of aniseed, it offers a truly exquisite taste experience. This stunning expression reflects both the superb vintage and the unique terroir, making it a true gem for wine enthusiasts seeking an exceptional and memorable wine.
Constantia Glen Five 2020
This wine is a meticulously crafted blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. It entices with bright aromas of ripe blackcurrant, juicy plums and fragrant dried herbs. On the palate, it delivers a dramatic entry, showcasing the concentrated dark fruit flavours already evident on the nose. However, the mid-palate impresses with a fantastic balance between refinement and power, adding to the wine’s allure and complexity.
Ernie Els Signature 2016
This exquisite wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Its captivating aroma includes notes of menthol and a hint of eucalyptus, providing a fresh contrast to the dark and brooding fruit, characteristic of this vintage. Warm oak notes add depth and a luxurious allure to the nose. On the palate, it delights with an abundance of rich fruit flavors and hints of cherry tobacco, accompanied by an herbal edge and a grippy lead pencil finish.
Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve 2019
This delightful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot showcases an array of flavours on the nose, including blackcurrant, ripe plums, tobacco, dark chocolate and toasted oak. The palate continues the journey with ripe fruit and subtle oak influences, all framed by a firm tannin structure that adds to the wine’s complexity and appeal.
Jordan Sophia 2017
This exceptional wine is crafted from Bordeaux varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. It offers a complex and alluring bouquet, with captivating notes of dark chocolate, black cherry and cassis seamlessly blending with rich blackberry fruit. Subtle hints of vanilla and spice from the integrated. The palate is enriched with densely layered ripe tannins, contributing to the opulent and satisfying finish.
Marianne Desirade 2019
The wine displays a deep color, and its nose is wonderfully complex with multiple layers of aromas. It starts with a beautiful dark fruit bouquet, featuring notes of prunes, blackberries and blackcurrant. Subtle hints of vanilla and liquorice add to its allure. On the palate, the wine is well-structured, offering both roundness and finesse from the Merlot, while the Cabernet Sauvignon contributes to a long and smooth finish.
Mulderbosch Estate Blend 2021
The wine’s nose is captivating, revealing earthy aromas initially, followed by delightful scents of dark fruits. Hints of cinnamon, bay leaves and cocoa further enrich the aroma, leading to an intriguing palate experience.
Blackwater Sophie 2021
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc from Stellenbosch and Cinsaut from Darling. It boasts a bright and lively character, with upfront flavours of blackcurrant, blackberries and graphite, adding depth and complexity. The wine also offers intriguing spice notes that further enhance its allure, making it a delightful and enticing choice for wine enthusiasts.
David & Nadia Grenache Noir 2022
The wine’s aromatics are charming, featuring delightful scents of red cherry, plums, fynbos and a hint of white pepper. It offers a good depth of fruit, accompanied by snappy acidity and fine tannins, contributing to a well-balanced palate. The finish is gently savoury, providing a truly enjoyable and satisfying wine experience.
Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2020
This wine is truly expressive, showcasing prominent notes of dark fruit, violets and cassis flowers, perfectly complemented by classic cedar and graphite undertones. On the palate, the fruit is rich and tightly packed, lifted by a refreshing juicy acid line and fruit-coated tannins. It presents a powerful and modern expression, promising a memorable and bold wine experience.
David Finlayson GS 2020
The wine entices with prominent Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of cassis and blackcurrant fruit on the nose, while also revealing a fresh and minty herbaceous character, complemented by notes of mocha and vanilla. The wine’s structure is firm, with well-defined tannins that add to its depth and complexity.
Benguela Cove Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
The wine showcases concentrated aromas with subtle dark fruit, sour plums, violets and refreshing nuances of fynbos and strawberry jam. Skillful use of French oak adds a delicate sweetness, shaping the wine’s bold and robust character with finely textured tannins. On the palate, the wine’s lovely and persistent play of fruit is further enhanced, creating a truly captivating and enjoyable tasting experience.
Reyneke Reserve Red 2020
This 100% Syrah wine offers a captivating array of aromas, including black cherry, black pepper, wild sage and aniseed on the nose. The palate is dark and intense, featuring a dominant presence of freshly crushed black pepper, which is beautifully complemented by pure black cherry fruit. The wine exhibits a lovely density and complexity, showcasing its well-structured nature on the palate, leading to a long and satisfying finish.
Old Road Wine 12 Mile Syrah 2018
This wine is both spicy and rich, revealing textured layers and ripe yet fresh berry fruit. The inviting aroma showcases blackcurrant notes, along with aromatic hints of white pepper and coriander. On the palate, soft and velvety tannins provide a smooth texture, harmoniously blending with lingering mulberry fruit and excellent structure. This delightful wine offers a truly memorable taste encounter that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2018
This complex wine is a true reflection of the Swartland area’s distinctive combination of schist soils and indigenous Cape fynbos. The palate is laden with fynbos herbs, thyme, buchu and white pepper. Violets, black olives and blueberry flavors lend complexity and lead to a long, satisfying finish.
Keermont Topside Syrah 2017
This wine’s bouquet is filled with dark and spicy fruit aromas, accompanied by delightful notes of cloves, violets, and white pepper. The palate begins softly and weightlessly but soon opens up, revealing ripe and sweet cherry fruit, herbal nuances.
Sijnn Red 2019
This blend of Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Amarella, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mourvedre is a captivating wine. It possesses an inky and wild character while maintaining a beautiful freshness. On the mid-palate, there is a concentration of cassis and blueberry fruit that impresses. This wine exudes an elegant power, combining youthful freshness with deep concentration and a well-structured tannin profile.
De Trafford Elevation 2016
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. The aroma presents a lovely array of spices, including cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, alongside blackcurrant and other dark berries. The palate is finely and substantially structured, with layers of dark berry and cherry fruit harmoniously complementing the spices. The wine concludes with a long and dry finish, allowing the flavours to linger and leaving a lasting impression.
Caroline’s Red Wine Review was not merely an event, it was a celebration of the artistry, dedication, and craftsmanship that go into creating exceptional red wines. It brought together the finest winemakers, connoisseurs, and wine lovers alike, fostering a sense of community and shared admiration for this timeless beverage.
As the evening drew to a close, guests left with their palates enriched and hearts full of fond memories. Caroline’s Red Wine Review had succeeded in its mission to captivate the senses and kindle an even deeper love for red wines among all those fortunate enough to be part of this extraordinary event.
Categories: Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar