Bacco Estate Red Blend 2019

A few years ago, a friend of mine invited us for dinner. She took out a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from an estate called Bacco and informed me that she knows the owner of the wine farm. Back home, I attempted to research the wine farm and was disappointed because I could not find any information about the farm anywhere on the internet. Only four years later, I found out why. Fast forward four years, I met the owner of Bacco Estate and learned more about the huge transformations they underwent since I first tasted their Cabernet Sauvignon.

The wines of Bacco Estate proudly display a brand new, contemporary logo. Because the wines are not yet widely available to the public, they decided to name the wines that were vinted recently "Prelude" because they are introductory to the wines that are to be released soon under the Bacco label. Right opposite Vilafonté, Bacco Estate is also building an impressive cellar and tasting room in the Paarl. I am excited to see how the farm expands and new varieties that will be added to their selection soon!

At the moment, Bacco Estate offers three wines (not for long because they are expanding significantly): a Malbec Rosé, a Shiraz and a Malbec-dominating Bordeaux-style blend. Here, I will focus on the Blend. The 2019 blend is still young and has a garnet colour with a deep centre. The smell is forthcoming with red and black fruits, sweet spices, cassis, and vanilla. This wine delivers what it promises on the nose: the sweet Malbec is prominent with Cabernet Sauvignon giving it the structure and Merlot giving it its silkiness. It has a long-lingering perfumy aftertaste that finishes off this great wine.

Although this wine is good to be enjoyed right away, I believe that it will develop and reach its full potential only after five or more years of bottle ageing. I look forward to open another bottle after some cellaring to allow bottle ageing. Although this wine is not widely available, it will soon be, and I will encourage red wine lovers to try this wine as soon as possible – it will be worth it!

Producer: Bacco Estate

Variety: Malbec 53%, Cabernet Sauvignon 32%, Merlot 21%, Petit Verdot 4%

Vintage: 2019

Origin: Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: Martin Smith

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 14.5%

RS: 3.0g/l

Average price: R280

Rating: 95/100

Website: www.baccoestate.co.za