The Drift, Gift Horse Barbera, Western Cape, South Africa, 2017

For many this is the essence of The Drift Farm. The nose shows an intoxicating explosion of super ripe mulberry, black cherry, ripe plum, white pepper and fynbos herbs (especially Buchu). The palate echoes this intensity and unctuousness with rich, black mulberry, a hint of creamy caramel and savoury, wild fynbos herbs adding a nice salty note.

The tannins are comfortable, but present, offering a warming structure that balances the mocha vanilla of the wood. This wine benefits from being decanted a day or two before consuming. It will age gracefully for at least 20 years if stored correctly.