Xige Estate N50 Cabernet Sauvignon

Rated 86 by Wine Advocate

 

Xige Estate’s 2020 No. 50 is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Gernischt and has a medium-garnet appearance. On the nose, there is some leafy herbaceous cassis, bramble and black cherry fruit with some savoury notes of a little new oak (clove, toast). The 2020 vintage spent 12 months in 300-liter French oak of which 30% was new and the remainder in second-use barrels of the same size and country of origin. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with moderate concentration showing coating and angular tannins, some supporting acidity and slightly warming 13.8% alcohol. There is a core of varietally accurate fruit, and the volume at which this wine is produced should be taken into account (250,000 bottles of the 2018 vintage were produced).