Wine: Hidden Gems
Vinyard: Hidden Valley
Address: Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch NU, Stellenbosch, 7613
Vintage:Â 2019
What the Winemaker says:Â
Cabernet Sauvignon driven blend, ruby red in colour and complex aromas of mulberry, thyme, cigar box and white pepper spiciness. The palate follows with more bright fruit, strawberries and plum complimented by an earthiness and subtle cedarwood from careful oaking. It is a full-bodied wine with smooth tannins and concentrated fruit intensity which lends to a generous back palate.Â
Review
Aroma: 18/20
Warm, cherry and blackberry aromas hint at a subtle and layered wine.
Appearance: 9/10
Rich dark red in colour with beautiful legs.
Flavour: 38/40
Following the nose, the first taste is of cherry with a hint of sweet vanilla oak. This is enriched by dark berries with a touch of spice, an insinuation of leather and lashings of plum. The aftertaste is of well-balanced, dark berry and earthy warmth.
Mouthfeel: 10/10
Full, velvety and smooth – so very smooth. There is a silkiness on the aftertaste that begs you to come back for more. Simply perfect.
Overall Impression: 19/20
The Hidden Gems is a wine that seems to be growing in complexity and quality with every vintage. The 2019 is a multi-layered, experience, that while being complex in flavour, also offers plenty of simple joy.
Total of out of 100 points:
94
Score Breakdown
100 to 95: World beater – Make a plan to try this before you die
94 to 90: Excellent – Drink this now
89 to 85: Good – Thoroughly enjoyable
84 to 75: It’ll do – You won’t remember it
74 and below: Don’t waste your time
