South Africa 1992: Drink now
A good vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage
Weather Conditions
Dry, cool start to the season, then some showers (requiring more than usual sprays against mildew) prefacing a typically warm Cape summer – for good, rich red wines. In retrospect, did not live up to initial optimistic forecasts.
Best Appellations
Again Stellenbosch, Constantia, Paarl, and Franschhoek made the best wines.
Best Producers
Stellenbosch: Le Bonheur (Bordeaux blend, Prima); Kanonkop (Bordeaux blend Paul Sauer, Cab. Pinotage); Simonsig (Pinotage); Thelema (Cab.S); Vriesenohof (Bordeaux blend, Kallista); Stellenryck Collctn. (Cab.); Saxenburg PC (Cab.); Neil Ellis (Cab.); Uitkyk (Cab. Carlonet); Lievland (Shiraz); Uiterwyk (Pinotage); Vergenoegd (Bordeaux blend).
Constantia: Buitenverwachting (Bordeaux blend, Christine); Klein Constantia (Cab.); Groot Constantia (Bordeaux blend Gouverneur’s Res.).
Franschhoek: Chamonix (Cab.) La Motte (Shiraz).
Paarl: Fairview (Merlot); Backsberg (Merlot); KWV Cathedral Cellar * (Cab. & Pinotage).
