ANTHONIJ RUPERT OPTIMA 2019 MAGNUM (1.5Lt)

Instant seduction of violet, blackberry, cherry, cocoa, spice and fruitcake perfume. Black Forest gateau in one whiff. Those same ripe and rich flavours are found in the mouth which is soft, rounded, plush and embracing – but with a dry tail. Supple, textured and elegant it offers up concentration, structure as well as a velvety appeal. Layered, nuanced, cohesive and rewarding.

Ample plum and baked red stone fruit with a subtle hint of meat and smoke on the nose. The textured palate is supple, lithe and pliable with a melange of plum and black fruits livened by a vibrant spicy pepperiness. The oak is well knit and seamless, contributing structure and body with its fine, dry tannin but a good line of acid adds freshness. Smooth, ripe, confident and refined with a long tail.

Tempting aromas of dried lavender, violet and fynbos with tendrils of spice alongside ripe black cherry, plum and blueberry fruit. Those same blue and black fruit flavours are found on the focussed, complex palate. Simultaneously spicy and succulent but balanced with fine, dry tannin. Taut with good restraint. Very composed and sleek with grip and a delightful rich, earthy tail.