Description
A bold and beautifully balanced Bordeaux-style blend, the 2020 P.O.W. is a deep, rich wine that showcases mature dark fruit like black cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant. The nose is complemented by soft minty tones, hints of cedar, and sweet tobacco, adding complexity. On the palate, it’s juicy and smooth, with dense, dark fruit flavours and structured tannins that provide a nice grip without overwhelming the fruit. The wine’s well-integrated acidity leads to a long, satisfying finish. A full-bodied wine that’s intense yet approachable, with excellent depth and a beautifully structured profile.
Reviews
Greg Sherwood 93
Like all the wines at Natte Valleij, the characterful P.O.W. cuvee has its own unique story commemorating the Italian prisoner of war captured in Abyssinia, who was interned at the estate in 1943 to help with farming and possibly winemaking duties as well. The 2020 represents a luscious blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot that was matured for 36 months in large oak barrels, and reveals complex, expressive aromatics of red currant coulis, sweet sandalwood, dried rosemary and thyme herbs, pine resin, black currant and subtle hints of spearmint and milk chocolate. Wonderfully ripe and fleshy on the palate, the wine is medium to full bodied and shows a real vitality and freshness together with classical Cabernet Sauvignon varietal notes of cassis, mint, cocoa, sage, bay leaf and sweet cedary oak spice nuances on the long, tangy finish. Classy, generous, and very inviting, this wine manages to maintain a smattering of piquant rusticity that adds to its overall drinking enjoyment. Good to go now or cellar for 6 to 8+ years. (93/100 Greg Sherwood MW) [Greg Sherwood, 01/01/2023]
Producer Profile
Natte Valleij, a historic family farm in Stellenbosch run by winemaker Alex Milner, has received critical acclaim for his site specific Cinsault from various pockets of extraordinary old vine parcels across the Cape. Tamlyn Currin writes: “It was the first time I’d tasted Cinsault. It was the first time I actually understood the variety. It was a lightning strike.” Together with his stellar Axle Chenin Blanc from Darling. Tamlyn writes: “Alex Milner pushes the edges of possibility and beauty. He always takes my breath away. Surely this cannot be under £30?!” The stage has been set, heroing the adopted heritage grapes of South Africa, finally allowing them freedom of expression. As well as our very own, native Pinotage – Alex and his Natte Valleij wines represent the spirit of the Cape and we’d strongly advise you visit him and his wines during Cape Wine.
