Blaauwklippen
Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
First time trying a wine from the Blaauwklippen Estate. The color is garnet with brown edges. Nose was very closed at first and started with something along the lines of slight prunes. After being open for an hour or so and with some minestrone pasta and changed to red cherries. Besides that nothing else going on in the nose. Within the palate there is a high amount of acidity like the Italians and has quite a bit of cherries. Light body (4/10) with moderate tannins (5.5/10) that has a moderately acidic finish that can be quite refreshing. Almost like an acidic white. I think this would be interesting to try with some more air time, I would just be worried that it would die off.
First time trying a wine from the Blaauwklippen Estate. The color is garnet with brown edges. Nose was very closed at first and started with something along the lines of slight prunes. After being open for an hour or so and with some minestrone pasta and changed to red cherries. Besides that nothing else going on in the nose. Within the palate there is a high amount of acidity like the Italians and has quite a bit of cherries. Light body (4/10) with moderate tannins (5.5/10) that has a moderately acidic finish that can be quite refreshing. Almost like an acidic white. I think this would be interesting to try with some more air time, I would just be worried that it would die off.
Oct 27th, 2015
Blaauwklippen 1682 Red Blend 2021 Stellenbosch, South Africa 🇿🇦
Overview
A beautifully balanced Bordeaux-inspired blend composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Cabernet Franc. Matured for 18 months in French oak, it captures the elegance of Stellenbosch with generous fruit, refined structure, and remarkable value. This is a polished everyday red that consistently drinks well above its price point.
Aromas & Flavors
Expressive aromas of red currant, cranberry, ripe blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry mingle with subtle cedar, baking spices, graphite, and gentle floral notes from the Cabernet Franc. The palate is vibrant, layered, and beautifully integrated, finishing with lingering red fruit and delicate spice.
Mouthfeel
Medium- to full-bodied with silky, polished tannins and impressive texture. Soft-edged and generous without feeling heavy, the wine delivers excellent balance, freshness, and a long, elegant finish that keeps inviting another sip.
Food Pairings
Excellent alongside grilled steaks, roasted lamb, barbecue, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, mushroom dishes, aged Gouda, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Verdict
A tremendous value that punches well above its price category. Elegant yet approachable, expressive yet restrained, this Stellenbosch blend showcases just how beautifully Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc thrive in South Africa. A wine capable of pleasing both casual drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
Did You Know?
Founded in 1682, Blaauwklippen is one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates. Long before Bordeaux blends became fashionable in the New World, Stellenbosch had already established itself as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier homes for Cabernet Sauvignon, thanks to its decomposed granite soils, Mediterranean climate, and cooling ocean influences.
🍷 Personal Pick
One of those bottles I love recommending when someone asks for an affordable red that tastes far more expensive than it is. It has the polish, balance, and elegance of a much higher-priced Bordeaux-style blend, making it an easy crowd-pleaser and an outstanding everyday cellar staple.
Blaauwklippen 1682 Red Blend 2021 Stellenbosch, South Africa 🇿🇦
Overview
A beautifully balanced Bordeaux-inspired blend composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Cabernet Franc. Matured for 18 months in French oak, it captures the elegance of Stellenbosch with generous fruit, refined structure, and remarkable value. This is a polished everyday red that consistently drinks well above its price point.
Aromas & Flavors
Expressive aromas of red currant, cranberry, ripe blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry mingle with subtle cedar, baking spices, graphite, and gentle floral notes from the Cabernet Franc. The palate is vibrant, layered, and beautifully integrated, finishing with lingering red fruit and delicate spice.
Mouthfeel
Medium- to full-bodied with silky, polished tannins and impressive texture. Soft-edged and generous without feeling heavy, the wine delivers excellent balance, freshness, and a long, elegant finish that keeps inviting another sip.
Food Pairings
Excellent alongside grilled steaks, roasted lamb, barbecue, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, mushroom dishes, aged Gouda, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Verdict
A tremendous value that punches well above its price category. Elegant yet approachable, expressive yet restrained, this Stellenbosch blend showcases just how beautifully Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc thrive in South Africa. A wine capable of pleasing both casual drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
Did You Know?
Founded in 1682, Blaauwklippen is one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates. Long before Bordeaux blends became fashionable in the New World, Stellenbosch had already established itself as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier homes for Cabernet Sauvignon, thanks to its decomposed granite soils, Mediterranean climate, and cooling ocean influences.
🍷 Personal Pick
One of those bottles I love recommending when someone asks for an affordable red that tastes far more expensive than it is. It has the polish, balance, and elegance of a much higher-priced Bordeaux-style blend, making it an easy crowd-pleaser and an outstanding everyday cellar staple.
Lighter bodied, red fruit note, sour and tart, cherry notes
Lighter bodied, red fruit note, sour and tart, cherry notes
Apr 3rd, 2025
Deep ruby color
Aromas of dark fruit.
Dry. Flavors of cassis, cedar, pepper, clove, earthy. Rich, chewy tannins.
Intensity: 3/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5
Deep ruby color
Aromas of dark fruit.
Dry. Flavors of cassis, cedar, pepper, clove, earthy. Rich, chewy tannins.
Intensity: 3/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5
Deep garnet. Nose of spice, dark cherries, some oak. Medium tannins, medium-bodied. Some oak, dried plum and blackberries. Short finish.
Deep garnet. Nose of spice, dark cherries, some oak. Medium tannins, medium-bodied. Some oak, dried plum and blackberries. Short finish.
Nov 12th, 2017