SOUTH AFRICA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
94 Reyneke 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch). This biodynamic wine opens with a heady bouquet of potpourri, bramble, cherry preserves, blackberry sauce and macerated black currants. It’s fruity, floral and spicy all at once, with waves of each commingling for a complete package. The palate is suave and velvety in feel, with a smooth, fruity impression at first that yields to structured tannins and lingering notes of sweet spice and sweet wood on the long finish. Vineyard Brands. —L.B.
abv: 14% Price: $136
93 Boekenhoutskloof 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch). Black currant, licorice root, cedar and whole tobacco leaf form the nose of this dark, suave red. The palate is smooth and seductive in feel, with structured yet plush and pillowy tannins that, combined with the ripe black fruit and black berry flavors, lend a textural impression like crushed velvet. The finish is all black fruit and sweet, earthy spice, like cedar plank-grilled black plums and charred fennel bulb. Vineyard Brands. —L.B.
abv: 14.5% Price: $69
Bright and spicy up top, this leads with
