Anthonij Rupert Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Anthonij Rupert Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a polished, Bordeaux-inspired red that showcases the serious, age-worthy side of South African Cabernet. Crafted from carefully selected vineyard parcels and matured in French oak, it offers both immediate drinking pleasure and impressive cellaring potential. This vintage continues Anthonij Rupert’s reputation for producing structured, elegant wines that stand comfortably alongside top New World Cabernets.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon shows a deep, opaque ruby hue with a youthful, garnet rim. The nose is classic and layered: blackcurrant, ripe blackberry and mulberry are wrapped in notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, graphite and subtle baking spices from quality oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet refined, with concentrated dark fruit framed by fine-grained tannins and a vibrant line of acidity that keeps everything fresh and lifted. Flavours of cassis, plum and black cherry are complemented by hints of cocoa, pencil shavings, dried herbs and a touch of vanilla. The finish is long, dry and elegantly savoury, suggesting further complexity will emerge with time. While already approachable after a brief decant, this 2018 has the structure to age gracefully for 8–12 years from vintage, gaining softer tannins and more tertiary notes of leather, cigar box and forest floor.

Production
The grapes for Anthonij Rupert Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 are sourced from premium vineyard sites in South Africa, with a focus on cooler, elevated slopes that deliver intensity of flavour with natural balance. Well-drained soils of decomposed granite and sandstone, along with significant diurnal temperature shifts, allow the Cabernet to ripen slowly, building depth without sacrificing freshness. The fruit is typically hand-harvested at optimal phenolic ripeness, sorted carefully to ensure only the best bunches make it into the cellar. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, often with a combination of pump-overs and gentle extraction to preserve fruit purity and tannin finesse. The wine is then matured in French oak barrels—predominantly barriques—for an extended period, allowing the components to harmonise and the wine to develop its characteristic complexity and structure.

Food & Serving
This Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural partner for rich, savoury dishes. Think grilled ribeye with herb butter, slow-cooked lamb shank, rosemary-infused beef short ribs or venison with a red wine reduction. It also works beautifully with mature hard cheeses such as aged Cheddar, Comté or Grana Padano. Serve at 16–18°C to highlight its aromatic detail and structural finesse. Decanting for 45–60 minutes before serving is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the tannins to soften and the bouquet to fully open.

Producer
Anthonij Rupert Wyne, based on the historic L’Ormarins estate in Franschhoek, is one of South Africa’s leading quality-focused wine producers. The modern winery was established in honour of Anthonij Rupert by his brother Johann Rupert, with a clear vision: to craft site-expressive, world-class wines from carefully selected Cape terroirs. The estate draws on vineyards across prime regions of the Western Cape, allowing the team to match grape varieties to their ideal growing conditions. Over the years, Anthonij Rupert wines have earned strong critical acclaim and helped elevate South Africa’s reputation for premium, age-worthy reds in particular. With meticulous vineyard management, a state-of-the-art cellar and a philosophy that marries Old World elegance with New World purity, the producer has become a benchmark name for serious South African Cabernet Sauvignon.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.