The 2015 Anwilka Stellenbosch is a premium red blend from Anwilka Vineyards, located in the Helderberg subregion of Stellenbosch, South Africa. This wine is a collaboration between Bordeaux luminaries Bruno Prats (formerly of Château Cos d’Estournel) and Hubert de Boüard (of Château Angélus), alongside South African expertise from Klein Constantia. The 2015 vintage is predominantly composed of Syrah (64%), with Cabernet Sauvignon (29%) and Petit Verdot (7%). It is aged for 15-19 months in French oak barrels (50% new, 50% second-use), resulting in a deep ruby-red wine with a complex, elegant profile. The nose offers vibrant aromas of dark red fruit (blackcurrant, cherries, plums), toasted spices, vanilla, and hints of chocolate and oak. On the palate, it is bold yet refined, with smooth tannins, balanced acidity, and a concentrated, medium-to-full-bodied structure, finishing with spicy and fruity notes.
Critics Reviews
The 2015 Anwilka has received positive feedback from wine enthusiasts and critics:
- CellarTracker Community (Average 90.2/100 from 9 reviews): Notes include “deep red color with raspberry and vanilla on the nose, rounded mouthfeel, soft and smooth” and “a reliable crowd pleaser with plenty of body… tannins suggest it can go for a few more years.” Some found it “complex but needing time to open up,” with descriptors like “blackcurrant jam, prune, pepper, and espresso.”
- Platter’s Wine Guide (Historical Context): While specific 2015 reviews are unavailable, Anwilka’s blends consistently earn high praise, often 4.5/5 stars, with comments on elegance, subtle oak, and age-worthiness. The 2012 vintage was described as “elegant and composed… will reward up to a decade cellaring,” suggesting similar potential for 2015.
- General Reputation: Robert Parker famously called Anwilka’s inaugural 2005 vintage “the finest red wine I have ever had from South Africa,” setting a benchmark for the estate’s quality, which critics note persists in later vintages like 2015.
Food Pairings
This Shiraz-led blend pairs beautifully with robust dishes:
- Meats: Grilled ribeye, lamb shank, or venison with a pepper crust.
- Barbecue: Smoked brisket or ribs, where the wine’s spice aligns with the char.
- Cheeses: Mature cheddar or gouda to match its intensity.
- Vegetarian: Grilled portobello mushrooms or a spiced lentil stew.
Drink Window
The 2015 Anwilka is drinking well now (as of April 3, 2025) but has significant aging potential:
- Current Enjoyment: Already approachable with decanting, offering vibrant fruit and integrated tannins.
- Optimal Window: 2020–2028 (based on CellarTracker and general vintage assessments). Community reviews suggest it’s still evolving, with tannins indicating it can develop further complexity over the next 3–5 years.
- Longevity: Could last until 2030+ under proper storage (cool, dark, humid conditions), though peak enjoyment is likely within the next few years.
