MR de Compostella 2020

MR de Compostella, the collaboration between Mzo Mvemve and Bruwer Raats, is now firmly entrenched as one of the best Cape Bordeaux Red Blends around. When the 2018 vintage appeared in a line-up of 10 wines as part of Wine Cellar’s Luxury Red Wine Review in September, I rated it 96 tasting blind and placed it second overall.

What has become the defining characteristic of De Compostella is that it manages to combine concentration with refinement and the same vintage can look quite forceful in one context and demure in another.

The 2020 vintage has just been released, the blend consisting of 30% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 16% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, maturation lasting 24 months in French oak, 20% new.

The aromatics are compelling with red and black berries, floral perfume, some leafiness, pencil shavings, vanilla and baking spice. The palate has great presence but equally is not short of energy, a dense core of fruit matched by bright acidity. Initially, it appears rather sumptuous, but you soon realise just how well balanced it is, the finish wonderfully dry. Price: R1 950 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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