Some estates don’t just make wine — they make history. Overgaauw is one of them.
As the producer of South Africa’s very first bottled single-varietal Merlot, Overgaauw helped shape the modern Cape fine wine story long before Merlot was fashionable. After years of quiet rebuilding, the historic Stellenbosch estate has returned to the UK export market with renewed focus, confidence and, crucially, form.
The proof is in the glass. Greg Sherwood MW’s latest ratings confirm what many long-time followers hoped for: Overgaauw is firmly back on track. From the plush, classical Estate Merlot 2022, through the more layered and serious Reserve Merlot 2022, to the assured, pedigree-driven Tria Corda Cape Bordeaux Blend 2020, these wines combine restraint, balance and unmistakable Stellenbosch character.
Elegant rather than showy, composed rather than overworked, these are reds that reward both immediate drinking and patient cellaring — and a timely reminder that some of South Africa’s most historic names still have plenty to say.
Below, explore Greg Sherwood MW’s tasting notes and scores on these three impressive releases.
#DrinkSA
Overgaauw
New Ratings
91 Points – Greg Sherwood MW
“They say Merlot can be one of the most temperamental of all the Bordeaux red cultivars. But this juicy expression is as classical as they come, plush, soft textured with red and black berry fruits, ripe black plums and spicy undertones of coffee beans and wet tobacco leaf. The palate is plush and approachable, medium bodied with a juicy, tangy plumy acidity shrouded by fine powdery tannins and a core of black berry fruits with a notable red cherry kiss on the finish. The has all the balance and polish you would hope for from a textbook Merlot. Drink now to 2030+.” – Greg Sherwood MW.
93 Points – Greg Sherwood MW
“As the first Estate bottled Merlot in South Africa, the burden of expectation rests heavily on the shoulders of the Overgaauw winery. Where the Estate Merlot is sleek, modestly complex, and textbook supple and elegant, the Estate Reserve opens more avenues of complexity and intricacy. Remaining classical and elegantly restrained in a true Stellenbosch style, the Reserve reveals complex aromatics of freshly tilled earth, fleshy plum and black currants, hints of mulberry and sweet tannery leather. On the palate, the sweet sappy cedary oak spice melts seamlessly into layers of fleshy plummy black fruits, black chai tea, delicately herbaceous dried baking herbs, graphite, and crushed granite minerality underpinned by dense creamy soft tannins. Undoubtedly a wine with substance and depth that will appeal to drinkers looking for something substantial but also slightly less challenging than Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now to 2034+.” – Greg Sherwood MW.
94+ Points- Greg Sherwood MW
“A classical blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this 2020 shows overt creamy blue and black berry fruits, crème de cassis, sappy cedar, graphite, and gentle hints of brûléed coffee beans and moist pipe tobacco. The palate is impressively compact, dense and concentrated with savoury black currants and black cherry notes, sweet velvety tannins, and bright tangy acids that lend great palate energy and vibrancy. A well-balanced Cape Bordeaux blend that has a real feel of class and pedigree to it remaining unhindered by its 15% abv. Drink now and over the next 10+ years.” – Greg Sherwood MW.
