Spirits produced by KWV - Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide

90

points

KWV 2002 Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon (Coastal Region)

Editors' Choice

Price $18

KWV, the huge combine that once dominated the South African wine industry, has turned into a quality producer, and it shows in this fine wine. It has elegance and sophistication in the way it balances big flavors of spice and black plums with considerable restraint, and in the way the fruit is layered with dry Cabernet tannins. This needs some aging—three to four… — R.V. (11/1/2006)

90

points

KWV 1997 Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch)

Best Buy

Price $15

This very drinkable red shows impressive depth of fruit marked by solid cassis aromas and flavors bearing smoke, toast and mint accents. It’s full and round, but not flabby, and displays very good body and structure. Finishes dry and even, with good length and powdery tannins. Editors’ Choice. — W.E. (9/1/2001)

90

points

KWV 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon (Western Cape)

Best Buy

Price $10

The nose of buttered toast, golden raisins, dried herbs, oiled leather, black olives and radicchio extends to the palate. A slightly herby tang to the finish imparts cleanness on the palate. A delicious expression of fruit that is subtle but well structured, not to mention inexpensive. — K.F. (4/1/2003)

90

points

KWV 2006 Cathedral Cellar Shiraz (Coastal Region)

Editors' Choice
Online Exclusive

Price $17

Here’s an intense and brooding Shiraz with fantastic depth and character. Aromas of whole bacon slab, kirsch, black berry and cigar tobacco prime the palate for the full flavor experience. The creamy mouthfeel is loaded with black fruit flavors integrated with sweet woody spice throughout. The finish is long and the impression strong. Pair with an equally flavorful… — L.B. (11/1/2010)

90

points

KWV 2001 Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay (Western Cape)

Best Buy

Price $12

The name of the top brand from the massive KWV winery refers to the cathedral-like roof of its main winery. This is a rich, generous wine, with spice, ripe fruit and a good layer of toasty wood flavors. There is complexity also, introduced by the crisp acidity that complements the opulent fruit. Best Buy. — R.V. (7/1/2002)

89

points

KWV 2000 Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay (Western Cape)

Best Buy

Price $12

The unexpectedly complex nose of this Chardonnay value shows tangerine and white peach, toast and nut accents. Pineapple, cinnnamon-clove and roasted cashew flavors show on the full, ripe and oaky palate. Finishes with good length and toasted-oatmeal flavors. Editors’ Choice. — W.E. (9/1/2001)

89

points

KWV 2003 Cathedral Cellar Triptych Red (Coastal Region)

A ripe plum and black cherry-flavored wine that shows wood tannins from aging in small French oak barrels. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz (hence the name Triptych) is full-blooded, dense and very rich. Not imported. — R.V. (11/1/2006)

89

points

KWV 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Western Cape)

Best Buy

Price $10

The accessible, global style of this wine shows why KWV is a smart bet for everyday dining and casual entertaining. This vintage is no exception, displaying a lovely nose of toast, cinnamon and vanilla with intriguing notes of cardamom, black olives and baking chocolate. The deep currant flavors mix with pepper notes and firm tannins. This will suit a range of… — K.F. (11/15/2003)

KWV Spirits

KWV 2002 Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon (Coastal Region)

KWV 1997 Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch)

KWV 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon (Western Cape)

KWV 2006 Cathedral Cellar Shiraz (Coastal Region)

KWV 2001 Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay (Western Cape)

KWV 2000 Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay (Western Cape)

KWV 2003 Cathedral Cellar Triptych Red (Coastal Region)

KWV 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Western Cape)

2009 Merry Edwards