Highlights: Craven Cinsaut 2021 Stellenbosch, South Africa
I’m a big fan of the wines of Mick and Jeanine Craven, who are making some of Stellenbosch’s most interesting wines. [Here’s an older write up introducing the project.]
This is their 2021 Cinsaut (this can also be spelled Cinsault), which I drank last night at The Remedy wine bar in London. This is the first year they did it just in concrete, and Mick says it’s better for it. It’s a variety so well adapted to the Cape terroirs.
Craven Cinsaut 2021 Stellenbosch
12% alcohol. Vivid and focused with aromatic cherry and plum fruit backed up by green herbs and spices. On the palate some thyme and eucalyptus complement the focused cherry and raspberry fruit with just a hint of crunchy tannin adding structure. Lovely wine – such a focused expression of Cinsault. 94/100