Redamancy Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Devon Valley, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa 75cl

Redamancy is the work of Marc van Uytvanck and Antoinette Rapitsi, a couple who owned land in Stellenbosch for years before turning a lockdown hobby into a proper winery. The name comes from an old Latin word for love returned in kind. Their two Golden Retrievers, Brave and Maisha, are never far from the story.

This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown on a neighbouring farm in Devon Valley, a pocket of Stellenbosch known for warm days and cooling afternoon air that helps the grape ripen slowly. The fruit is hand-crafted and fermented with natural yeasts, an approach that keeps the wine honest to its site. It sits at the more serious end of the Redamancy range, made to reward a little patience.

The 2021 growing season was a standout across the Cape, cooler than usual with a long, even ripening that let flavours build without rushing. For Cabernet that meant deep colour, fresh acidity and firm but ripe tannins, the sort of combination that gives a red both charm now and the structure to age gracefully.

Red apple and violet lift the nose, then the palate turns grippy and firm, with red cherry and a leafy tea-leaf note running into a savoury finish. It feels rich and layered without weight, carrying its 14.5% comfortably. Decant an hour ahead, serve it slightly cool, and pair with roast lamb or a well-aged hard cheese. A few years in the cellar will only add.

It earned four stars in Platter’s guide and a nod from the Wine of the Month Club, fair recognition for a red of this poise. Think of it as a Cape reply to a savoury, Bordeaux-leaning Cabernet, more about structure than show. It is the bottle to reach for when the evening matters.