Confectionary, talc powder and dried cherry aromatics. There are comforting shades of caramel, tobacco pouch and oak spice too, conjuring (for this taster) a sensation of rail transport in a leather-paneled booth, hurtling through the crisp Karoo under cover of darkness. Well annealed, inviting tannins coat the palate in fine-grained luxury inviting sip after sip, much like one would a single malt. There’s just so much going on.
Not for the absent minded or taster with a short attention span. Rather savour this relic of the Cape’s viticultural riches around a fire, friends at the side and prepare to go deep. Pork belly and lamb. Both savoury and sweet elements can be used in the food.