Miles Mossop Max 2020 Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa 75cl

Miles Mossop built a strong reputation as winemaker at Tokara before turning full time to his own Stellenbosch label, where the top wines carry the names of his children. Max is the flagship red, named for his son, and it represents the most ambitious, age-worthy end of the range. It is a wine made to reward patience, and it is produced only in vintages that merit it.

Max is a Bordeaux Blend, led by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petit Verdot and a little Cabernet Franc, drawn from selected vineyards in and around Stellenbosch. This is classic Cape terroir for structured reds, and the blend is built for depth, structure and long ageing rather than early drinking. Each variety plays its part, with Cabernet giving the backbone, Merlot the flesh, and the smaller portions adding colour, perfume and spice.

The 2020 was a fine, well-balanced Stellenbosch red-wine vintage, and the wine was matured for close to two years in barrel, a portion of it new, to frame the fruit and build its cedary complexity.

Expect a deep, dark glass with heady aromas of blackberry and bramble fruit, cassis, dried herbs, tobacco spice and cedar. The palate is generous and structured, with dark fruit, firm tannins and a savoury, lingering finish. It will reward several years in the cellar and benefits from decanting an hour or so ahead if opened young.

For those who enjoy serious Bordeaux-style reds, Max stands comfortably alongside them and shows what top-tier Stellenbosch can do. Good with roast lamb, aged beef or mature hard cheeses.