It would not be unreasonable to describe the combination of roast lamb and Cabernet Sauvignon as a culinary symphony that has been in place for centuries.
The synergy of complementary flavours and textures of roast lamb's rich, gamey texture is a perfect foil for the fine tannins, dark fruit components, balanced acidity and full-bodied characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon and other grapes that are part of these classic blends. These two stalwarts come together in perfect harmony and their pairing is an exquisite combination of the wine's structure sitting alongside the meat's texture.
To add to this harmony, mint sauce and redcurrant jelly enhance the experience as does roasted potatoes and vegetables: the ideal solution for a Sunday lunch.
Claret is often the logical wine to serve. However, given the wet and excessively damp weather we have experienced in England over the last few months, then perhaps a wine from a region where the grapes had seen more sunshine and heat was needed to brighten these overcast days.
South Africa has been making excellent reds from the Cabernet Sauvignon for decades, so four were brought together for a panel tasting.
It is rare that a panel tasting decides to recommend all the wines sampled. However, this was the outcome and all four wines are wholeheartedly worth buying. Stylistically very different, but well crafted and, even though they are young, drinking exceptionally well. They would match lamb to perfection.
Rich with deep flavours and the potential to age well: the last three will certainly benefit from being decanted for an hour or so before serving, or kept in the cellar for another five years or more.
In terms of value-for-money, they all performed superbly.
1 - Helderberg Winery Reserve Red 2021
At £20 this is a bit of a bargain. Made by Marc Kent, the winemaker at Boekenhoutskloof - see below - this punches well above its weight. Deep, dark ruby colour. Plums, cassis, and dark cherries on the nose with a well balanced and structured palate containing ripe fruit with matching tannins and acidity. Medium to full-bodied with a good finish. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% each of Syrah and Cinsault. Oak aged, 30% new, for 15 months.
£19.99 - Majestic
2 - Anwilka, Stellenbosch 2019
The blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon with 32% Syrah and 5% Petit Verdot works to perfection. Pronounced blackberries on the nose with hints of pencil shavings and a touch of flint. There is a persuasive richness on the palate with finely tuned tannins matching classic Cabernet fruit and an excellent length. 20 months in 400 litre barrels, 50% new, has certainly left a very positive impression. Definitely needs food at this stage of its life, but what a delightfully wine. This will age very well until mid-30s.
£28.00 - Berrys
3 - Rustenberg Peter Barlow, Stellenbosch 2019
Finesse, elegance and style. Drinking surprisingly well with ample concentration to evolve for another decade, and possibly more. Classic blackberries on the nose, with a delicate touch of cherries and a touch of spice from the oak-ageing. Depth with oodles of character, and layer after layer of flawless balance. 20 months again, with 64% new oak.
£31.99 - Waitrose
4 - Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Stellenbosch
Exceptional. Refined. Sweet oak notes on the nose supported by dark cherries and cassis. Closed at first, then evolving slowly showing the concentration of fruit with an almost chewy composition and freshness that sits and sits. 22 months in oak, with a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc. Needs decanting for 90 minutes and will bring a smile to all of your guests. Easily ageing into the 2030s.
£39.99 - Majestic
