20-year Cab Vertical Tasting at Plaisir de Merle - May 2014

What a privilege to be invited to an intimate tasting of Plaisir de Merle's Cabernet Sauvignons from 1994 to 2011. Niel Bester has been making wines here for 22 years and it is clear that he takes quality seriously. The 1995 was a favourite of Chrisian Eedes, Michael Bamfield-Duggan and Johan Stafford, with many of the other guests having differing opinions of the various vintages as usual. Christian commented how the wines certainly were a good indicator of what each vintage was like with 2009 & 2003 standing out. The wines have changed little over time really with a bit more new wood being used in the more recent years - perhaps pandering to the consumer who wants to drink his wines younger. Thanks to all at PDM & Craig Cormack for the delicious lunch.