6 * 75cl, 2 bottles of each vintage – 2012 / 2015 / 2018
The 2012 is the second vintage from Van Biljon, so therefore very rare, and was made, as all vintages have been, by one of South Africa’s Bordeaux Blend experts, Chris Keet. Made from 50% Cabernet, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot, 12.5% Malbec and 2.5% Petit Verdot. This was a very powerful and expressive wine in its youth. Now drinking at peak, the last twelve years has helped fully integrate all the elements of structure, fruit and tannins into a gloriously harmonious wine, which has now shed its youthful exuberance in exchange for an elegant and seamless expression of the very special hills in the Polkadraai ward, Stellenbosch. Platter 4.5 Stars, Tim Atkin 93 points.
The 2015 is the wine that truly put Van Biljon on the map, as it won the coveted best Red Blend (Cape Bordeaux) in the Platter Guide four years ago in 2020. The blend for Cinq has always has at its heart around 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, but this year there were some small tweaks, with the final blend consisting of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 17 Malbec, 12% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. This wine, on release, was deemed to be seamless and offered incredible concentration and quality of fruit, while still possessing the perfect balance of tannins to frame the fruit and a wonderful freshness that keeps the tension and vitality of the wine alive. Four years on from its release, this wine proves beyond any doubt that it belongs in the pantheon of the greatest red wines of South Africa and is a must for any aficionado of Bordeaux Blends. 5 Star Platter.
The 2018 is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 9% Malbec. This is perhaps a more perfumed vintage and has been included in this case not just because of its quality, but also because of its approachability. This wine will definitely age for a further ten to fifteen years, but there is an immediacy to this wine that will give the drinker ample pleasure. Don’t be fooled however, as this wine is no shrinking violet. There is still layers of earthiness and crushed leaves, all interwoven with dark stone fruit, cassis and gentle spice. With its youth and concentration it is the ideal partner for a grilled steak or roast rib of beef. We also have further stock of this wines should you require.
5 Star Platter. Greg Sherwood MW 95 points.
