2002 Axe Hill Cape Vintage
Posted: 21:26 Wed 31 May 2023
Axe Hill Cape Vintage 2002; made from a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca and Sousão grapes grown in Calitzdorp, matured in wood for 2 years before being bottled in 50cl. Stoppered with one of the awful corks which sticks to the neck of the bottle and explodes into a million pieces when removed. Pop and pour. A lovely warm crimson colour with a medium rim. Crushed green herbs on the nose together with some slightly sour blackcurrant. Interesting impression on the palate with a layer of sweetness, a layer of bitterness, surprisingly firm tannins a powerful youthful acidity. Despite being nearly 20 years old, this is still very youthful on the palate. The aftertaste is huge, full of cedar wood, tobacco and aniseed. The finish hangs around for several minutes before slowly — very slowly — fading away. Different from a Douro Port, but really impressive and desperately in need of another decade or two in the cellar.
It’s interesting how well this is responding to having time exposed to air. An hour after opening, more (sour cranberry) fruit is showing. The wine is still something of an acidic powerhouse but is becoming better integrated without giving up any of its impressive and lengthy pedigree. Really very good. 90/100. Drunk 27-May-23. Decanted 1 hour. South Africa.
It’s interesting how well this is responding to having time exposed to air. An hour after opening, more (sour cranberry) fruit is showing. The wine is still something of an acidic powerhouse but is becoming better integrated without giving up any of its impressive and lengthy pedigree. Really very good. 90/100. Drunk 27-May-23. Decanted 1 hour. South Africa.