Warwick Estate Three Cape Ladies Cape Blend 2001

This wine is south african dry blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinotage. It is much better after it has been opened and sat for a day or two corked. It has a slightly smokey finish not too much. I would have a glass with dinner but I don't think I will buy another bottle of it.

February 2009

Number 71 on Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2004! Varietal: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Merlot 25% Pinotage 20 months in medium toast French Oak - 60% new wood and 40% second fill barrels.Each component of this Cape blend offers it's own qualities. The Cabernet nose is fairly dominant, the Pinotage is soft and sweet while the Merlot offers a subtle spiciness. Ripe tannins with an innate softness that will mature with cellaring. Full on the palate with a sweetness on the finish. This blend brings the best of Pinotage to the classic French varieties.

warwick wines from south africa are stellar across the board, but this particular wine is a favorite of mine. norma ratcliffe, the first female winemaker in south africa, created this unique wine by blending cabernet sauvignon with merlot and pinotage. pinotage is unique to south africa and adds some oomph to this wine!
it is hearty enough to stand up to bold flavors and i love it with anything grilled on the bbq. in my opinion, warwick is making some of the top wines in all of south africa...i recently had the 2003 vintage of this wine and thought it was the best yet.

August 2007

No written review

February 2009

Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator

Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 04/30/04