2020 Reyneke Cornerstone, Stellenbosch

The 2020 Cornerstone is matured partially in new oak for the Cabernet Sauvignon, the Cabernet Franc (86%) in used oak, all de-stemmed and fermented in concrete, malolactic taking place in barrel with one racking during its 18 months élevage. The bouquet offers blackberry, tobacco, hints of espresso and crushed stone (shale)-like aromas. Impressive delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly peppery entry, the new oak discrete, off-dry with moderate weight and density on the finish. A Bordeaux blend that takes its foot off the accelerator to its benefit. Sophisticated.

93 points vinous.com

Reyneke Cornerstone from Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s most elegant Bordeaux-style blends, crafted with a deep sense of place and purpose. Produced at Reyneke Wines, a pioneering estate located on the Polkadraai Hills just outside Stellenbosch, this cuvée blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grown on some of the region’s most expressive biodynamic vineyards. Johan Reyneke, a former philosophy student turned vigneron, has transformed the property into one of South Africa’s first fully certified biodynamic wine farms. His approach is holistic, rooted in respect for the land, biodiversity and community. The Cornerstone name is both literal and symbolic, referring to the foundational blocks of the estate’s philosophy: quality viticulture, sustainability, and the support of the farm workers and their families through housing and education initiatives.

The vineyards sit on ancient decomposed granite soils mixed with pockets of clay, offering excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to nourish the vines naturally. The cool coastal breezes from False Bay temper the Stellenbosch heat, extending the growing season and helping the grapes ripen slowly, developing layered flavours and refined tannins. Grapes are hand harvested and sorted, then fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete and stainless steel to preserve the purity of fruit and terroir expression. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, with a portion being new, for around 18 months to build structure and complexity without overpowering the fruit.

In the glass, Reyneke Cornerstone has a deep ruby-purple hue. The nose is refined and complex, showing cassis, black cherry and mulberry layered with graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf and subtle floral undertones from the Cabernet Franc. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied with a graceful balance between power and elegance. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity frame flavours of blackcurrant, plum and dark chocolate, supported by savoury herbs, pencil shavings and a lingering mineral freshness that reflects the granitic soils. The finish is long, persistent and finely structured, a hallmark of great Stellenbosch reds.

This wine has excellent cellaring potential, evolving beautifully over 10 to 15 years as the tannins soften and the savoury elements deepen. It pairs magnificently with dishes like slow-cooked lamb shoulder, roast beef with rosemary, venison stew, or aged cheddar and hard cheeses. It’s also a wonderful contemplative wine to enjoy on its own as it unfolds in the glass.