Jason’s Hill Izak Reserve 2016 under the Top 10 at Winemag’s Prescient Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report 2021
Jason’s Hill Izak Reserve 2016 - a #BreedekloofUnexpected - was awarded 94 points at Winemag.co.za’s Prescient Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report 2021 and was announced as one of the Top 10 wines entered.
South African wineries love making Bordeaux-style blends and there are a few reasons for this - consumer palates are comfortable with the French varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted red grape variety in South Africa and who doesn’t love a red blend? 64 entries were received from 57 producers with 35 wines rating 90-plus on the 100-point quality scale. Among the Top 10, six were from Stellenbosch, two from Constantia and one each from the Breedekloof and Wellington.
“The thinking about what constitutes wine quality as well as the necessarily application in both vineyard and cellar seems to just get better and better. Our winemakers seem to be more aware, more mature than ever,” remarked panellist James Pietersen.
Jason’s Hill Izak Reserve 2016 is the only Bordeaux-style red blend made in the Breedekloof with all 5 major grape varieties harvested from their estate. 23% Cabernet Franc, 23% Petit Verdot, 20% Malbec, 18% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured for 22 months in French oak, 80% new.
“Red and black berries, flowers, herbs and a hint of reduction on the nose. The palate is medium bodied but not without depth – pure fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Still tightly wound, this will benefit from some bottle maturation.” - Winemag.co.za