video review: wine of the week

20th September 2009

Warwick Estate, First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, South Africa

The First Lady in question is winemaker and leading light in the modern South African wine industry, Norma Ratcliffe of Warwick Estate. This wine has around 5% Petit Verdot in the blend that contributes towards a nose that shows the green pepper and herbaceous side of Cabernet Sauvignon quite emphatically. There is black fruit too, and cedar from some ageing in older barrels. On the palate this just bursts into life, with a beautifully sweet core of cassis fruit that powers through the wine, and whilst those little peppercorn and leafy notes persist, and that cedary, savoury background, this is very nicely balanced and structured into a long finish. Classy indeed at the Waitrose offer price. £9.99, Waitrose, Wholefoods, Raeburn Fine Wines. On offer at £6.99 in Waitrose until October 3rd 2009.

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