Certified Sustainable (Integrated Production of Wine), Certified Organic Grapes (Ceres), Certified Bio-dynamic (Demeter), Vegan Practicing
94 Points Tim Akins
In certain vintages, Cornerstone can be one of the best value wines in the Reyneke portfolio. Marrying Cabernet Franc with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, with maturation in 15% new wood, this no longer includes Merlot and is all the better. Graceful, granular, and leafy, with caressing tannins, fine oak, and bright plum and red berry flavors. 2023-2029
92 Points Vinous
The 2019 Cornerstone (in UK/Europe) or Capstone depending upon which side of the Atlantic you call home, comprises 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, fully-stemmed and fermented in concrete tanks using an isolated yeast. The Cabernet Sauvignon is matured in new oak. It takes a little time to settle into its groove, eventually offering brambly red fruit, a light herbal element from the Cabernet Franc, a little Saint-Émilion in style. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip, lightly spiced with a dash of cracked black pepper and tobacco towards the finish. A little broody at the moment, this deserves some bottle age. Sophisticated yet it needs time to lose its bashful nature.
Winemaker Notes
"Capstone" has always been an essential wine within the Reyneke range, with the proceeds of the wine helping the farm workers and their families. The components consist of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc. An intense sorting process of bunch selection and berry selection ensures that the best fruit from our biodynamic vineyards is selected. Fermentation takes place in concrete Nomblot fermentors. The wine spends 18 months in French oak barrels, 30% new and 70% second and third-fill. TASTING NOTES This classical Bordeaux style blend combines freshness with absolute concentration, showcasing the best of Stellenbosch. Intense notes of cassis, blackberries, cherries, and thyme intermingle on the nose, along with hints of spice. The wine shows great complexity, with pure red and dark fruit on the palate followed by tobacco and spice. Elegant tannins, fruit concentration & bright acidity give the wine length and staying power.
