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Natte Valleij P.O.W. Cape Of Good Hope 2016 Wine Review

Natte Valleij P.O.W. Cape Of Good Hope 2016

Natte Valleij P.O.W. Cape Of Good Hope 2016

Simonsberg, Paarl, South Africa

Community Score:91/100

Community Reviews: 1

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Price: $34.00

Drink: 2020-2022

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 14%

Sweetness: Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine


Winery: Natte Valleij

Reviews and Ratings

Alana L rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Love the story behind this wine! Dating to 1715, the historic Cape Dutch buildings of Natte Valleij have been home to quite a cast of interesting people, one of them being an Italian prisoner of war (P.O.W.) captured in Abyssinia by South African troops and exiled to the Cape to spend the duration of the war on the Natte Valleij grounds. In winemaker Alex Milner’s house, where the unnamed prisoner lived helping with the farming and winemaking, is the inscription ‘P.O.W. B.T. 27-12-1943’ – the only reminder of his stay.

In his honour they handcrafted this limited release wine. Traditionally vinified, unfined, unfiltered & handcrafted from start to finish, P.O.W. is a blend of the finest grapes of the 2016 vintage (75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot) and matured for 36 months in large oak barrels. Deep ruby in colour with medium aromas and flavours of red plum, dark berry jam, cassis and eucalyptus and secondary aromas of leather and smoke from the oak barrels. Made in the Bordelais style with medium acidity, medium (velvet) tannins and medium body and finish, it’s a wine that is high in alcohol but well balanced, wintery, warm and well structured.

Could easily age 5-10 years, but why would you want to delay the pleasure? Tasted as part of the ‘Les Cavistes’ South African tasting with a charcuterie platter but would be a great pairing with any matter of roast or duck confit. Cheers!

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