“Right up there with the best 2023 Stellenbosch reds.” - Tim Atkin MW

“Seamless texture, effortless class with a weightless intensity on the finish. A simply beautiful Cape Bordeaux blend.“ - Greg Sherwood MW, 97 points

“Real class, with layers of fresh complexity.” -Decanter, Roger Jones, 97 points

After making the iconic and 100-point-scoring ‘Paul Sauer’ at Kanonkop for 23 years, Abrie Beeslar launched his own label in 2022 and this wine, ‘The Sacrament’, his flagship red, sold out before it had even hit the shelves. So, when we were offered a handful of cases of the follow-up vintage, we bit his hand off before even tasting it. Last week we finally had the chance to try it and it was so phenomenally good that we went to give Abrie a ‘high five’, but for reasons already cited, that didn’t work out too well.

It’s the best vintage yet, which rings slightly hollow, as it’s only the second release, but the 2022 was nothing short of spectacular, so there was almost no headroom for the follow-up vintage, yet the 2023 has squeezed itself into that tiny space. It performs the amazing conjuring trick of being both hedonistically plush and intense, while also sleek and vibrant, and there aren’t many wines that can achieve that paradox (Ridge’s Monte Bello springs to mind). A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with 40% Cabernet Franc, sourced from Helderberg and Banhoek, aged for 20 months in 100% new 225-litre French oak barrels. 14.5% alc. Drink now-2045.

Press reviews:

Tim Atkin MW: “Right up there with the best 2023 Stellenbosch reds, this is a profound, beautifully crafted assemblage of Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc from two sites on the Helderberg and in Banghoek. Even better than the maiden 2022 release, it has alluring espresso coffee and lead pencil aromas, sculpted tannins, subtle oak spices and layers of cassis, basil and red cherry. Drink 2028-2038.” 98 points

Greg Sherwood MW: “Sweet savoury black fruited magic, sappy, seductive and loaded with dried herbs, incense and black currant aromatics. Seamless texture, effortless class with a weightless intensity on the finish. A simply beautiful Cape Bordeaux blend expression.“ 97 points

Decanter: “Real class, with layers of fresh complexity, toasty plum and blueberry, wild-foraged herbs. Leaves a wonderful mouthfeel.” 97 points