The High Road, Directors’ Reserve 2018
The High Road is a boutique negociant producer who are benefiting from working with Miles Mossop as a consulting winemaker. They source their grapes from carefully selected trellised vineyards, from prime spots across Stellenbosch.
‘…this is a superb, finely judged cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.’ Tim Atkin
This sits in the glass with a beautiful garnet colour. Expect blueberries and blackberries on the palate, with christmas cake, cigar box, vanilla and five-spice.
£49.50
Stellenbosch
Bordeaux Blend, Red Blend
LightFull Bodied
Description
Viticultural Practices
Varietals: 70 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 18 % Merlot, 4 % Cabernet Franc, 4 % Malbec and 4 % Petit Verdot
The Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot grapes were sourced from carefully selected trellised vineyards in Stellenbosch. These low yielding vines contribute to an increased concentration of flavour in the wine.
Winemaking Practices
The Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec varieties were matured separately in 225 litre 100% new French oak barriques for 20 months. Blending has ensured the balance of fruit, structure and age ability.
Tasting Note
Beautiful deep garnet colour. The nose has heady aromas of black fruits and blueberry notes and hints of Christmas cake with overtones of cigar box, vanilla and five spice. The palate is full and rich packed with dark fruits, cedar, vanilla spice and dried herbs. The finish is dry and lingering. Best served with Rib Eye. Drink now through to 2032.
Additional information
| Alcohol vol | 14% |
|---|---|
| Grape | Bordeaux Blend, Red Blend |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Wine Farm |
Try it with well marbled cuts of red meat.







95pts | Tim Atkin
Aged in new French oak, as befits the top wine at The High Road, this is a superb, finely judged cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Silky, precise and perfumed, with good underlying structure and the density to age further in bottle. 2023-30
Tim Atkin 2021 SA Report –
92pts | Platter’s
Similar blend, cab (70%) with merlot & 4% each malbec, cab franc & petit verdot in 2018. Serious oaking (all-new barrels, 20 months) & 22 months in bottle, a good foil for rich dark-berry fruit. Less gravitas & structure than stellar 2017 (5 stars, 95 pts). Also in magnum.
Platter’s 2022 –