In Stellenbosch, Cabernet is king. And the newest addition to the Chapters range is a wine that you’ll want to finish on the spot. Offering remarkable value at R350, it reminded us why we love Stellenbosch Cabernet so much.
The fruit is juicy to the core – think cassis, mulberries, redcurrants and graphite aplenty. It’s bright and fresh with fine, chalky tannins. Sourced from a parcel in the Polkadraai on decomposed granite and crafted with Miles’ wealth of Cabernet experience, this might just be your new favourite Stellenbosch Cabernet.
With production still super-limited, we suggest tucking in straight away.
The Chapters Sauvignon Blanc is consistently of the finest in the country. The 2023 is ‘a wine with a remarkable clarity and tightness about it’ remarks Christian Eedes scoring it 95 points. From old vines planted in 1986, in decomposed shale soils, the wine is layered, saline and super textured with notes of blackcurrant, white florals and yellow apricots coming to the fore. Only 1700 bottles made, worth seeking out.
2023 was a cooler vintage in Stellenbosch says Miles, comparing it to the great wines of 2021 and 2019. The 2023 Chapters Chenin is waxy and mineral, boasting yellow florals and spice. Planted in 1982, this old-vine Chenin is bright yet textured with ‘impressive focus’, remarks Eedes.
Lastly, the 2023 Chapters Cinsault is in one word, moreish. It’s fresh, focused, crunchy and delicious. There’s bright red cherries, orange rind and notes of iodine. You want to drink it with all kinds of meals, but we paired it with the springbok tartare at Foodbarn and it was glorious.
Tasting Notes:
Miles Mossop Wines Chapters Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
‘New to Miles Mossop’s consistently impressive range, the Chapters Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Polkadraai Hills, deftly combined with 8% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Herbal, subtle and floral, it has layered, detailed tannins, notes of graphite, blackcurrant leaf and red berries and very subtle 15% new oak.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 93/100
Miles Mossop Wines Chapters Sauvignon Blanc 2023
‘Grapes from Bottelary bushvines planted in 1986. Fermented and matured in old 400-litre barrels. Aromatics are initially elusive, notes of lime, peach and fynbos just about discernible but soft citrus and blackcurrant also emerge with time in glass. The palate, meanwhile, is restrained and unshowy – good fruit density and well integrated acidity before a savoury finish. A wine with a remarkable clarity and tightness about it. Alc: 13.5%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
Miles Mossop Wines Chapters Chenin Blanc 2023
‘Showing the structure that’s often a feature of Stellenbosch Chenin Blancs, this hails from a block that was planted in 1982. Aged in older wood, it’s an appealing medley of orange zest, citrus and wet stones complemented by racy acidity and a mineral core.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 93/100
Miles Mossop Wines Chapters Cinsault 2023 ‘Sourced from a cool, east-facing site near Malmesbury – hence the comparatively low alcohol – Chapters is a subtle, graceful Cinsault that was fermented with 50% whole bunches. Concrete egg fermented and aged, it has crunchy pomegranate and red cherry fruit and a mineral core. Eminently drinkable.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 93/100
