Kaapzicht Cinsaut Skuinsberg 2022

Kaapzicht Cinsaut Skuinsberg 2022 is a beautifully judged expression of old-vine Cinsaut from the Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch. It combines the charm and brightness of this historic Cape variety with the polish and precision of modern South African winemaking. Expect a wine that is both irresistibly drinkable now and layered enough to reward a bit of patience. Sourced from a single, high-lying vineyard on the Skuinsberg (literally “steep hill”), this bottling showcases dry-farmed, low-yielding bush vines that naturally deliver concentration and purity. Cinsaut has a long history at the Cape, and wines like this have been pivotal in restoring its reputation—from workhorse blending grape to one of South Africa’s most exciting, terroir-transparent varieties.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Kaapzicht Cinsaut Skuinsberg 2022 typically shows a bright, translucent ruby hue with a slight garnet edge—more akin to a lighter, elegant red than a dense, full-bodied style. The colour already hints at the wine’s fresh, graceful personality rather than sheer power. The nose is lifted and perfumed, with vivid red cherry, cranberry and wild strawberry layered over rose petals, dried herbs and a subtle, dusty spice from the granitic soils. Gentle notes of raspberry leaf, a touch of white pepper and a faint earthy, tea-like nuance add complexity. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, supple and silken in texture, with juicy red fruit at its core and a lovely, mouth-watering line of acidity. Fine, powdery tannins frame flavours of pomegranate, red plum and cherry, underpinned by savoury tones of dried thyme, rooibos and a light, stony grip. The finish is long, precise and refreshingly dry, inviting another sip rather than overwhelming the palate. While this vintage is immediately appealing for its aromatics and energy, it also has the structure to develop gracefully over 5–7 years from vintage. With time in bottle, expect the fruit to take on more of a dried and compote-like character, while the floral and herbal notes become more complex and the tannins even silkier.

Production
The Skuinsberg vineyard sits on the slopes of the Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch, an area known for its decomposed granite soils, cooling afternoon breezes and excellent natural drainage. These conditions, combined with dry-farming and old bush vines, naturally restrict yields and concentrate flavour, while preserving acidity and a clear sense of place. Harvest is typically done by hand in the early morning to retain freshness, with stringent selection both in the vineyard and at the winery. In keeping with the lighter, more authentic style now associated with quality Cape Cinsaut, much of the fruit is often fermented with a high proportion of whole bunches, encouraging gentle extraction and enhancing aromatic lift and spice. Fermentation is carried out with minimal intervention, and the wine is then matured in neutral vessels—such as older oak barrels or concrete—so that oak influence remains subtle and the purity of fruit and terroir can shine. The result is a finely textured, characterful red that speaks clearly of its Bottelary origins.

Food & Serving
This Cinsaut’s bright fruit, moderate body and fine tannins make it a versatile partner at the table. It pairs beautifully with charcuterie, grilled chicken, pork fillet, herb-crusted lamb chops, roast duck or game birds, as well as Mediterranean dishes featuring tomatoes, olives and herbs. It also works well with lightly spiced North African cuisine and simple dishes like roasted vegetables, mushroom risotto or a well-seasoned roast chicken. Serve slightly chilled, ideally around 14–16°C, to highlight the wine’s freshness and aromatic detail. A brief decant of 20–30 minutes can help the aromas fully unfurl, especially when the wine is young, but extended decanting is not strictly necessary—this is a wine meant to be enjoyed for its immediacy as well as its nuance.

Producer
Kaapzicht is a family-owned estate in the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch, with a history that stretches back to 1946 and vineyards that benefit from panoramic “Cape view” (Kaapzicht) over False Bay. Over several generations, the Steytler family has transformed Kaapzicht from a traditional farm into one of the region’s most respected producers, known both for classic, ageworthy reds and for characterful, site-driven bottlings like their Cinsaut Skuinsberg. The estate has played an important role in showcasing the quality potential of the Bottelary sub-region, particularly its granitic slopes and old bush vines. Kaapzicht’s wines frequently receive strong critical acclaim, and the winery is widely regarded as a leading voice in the modern Cape movement—combining respect for heritage varieties with thoughtful, sustainable farming and precise, contemporary winemaking.

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