ONE OF South Africa’s best of the best expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon over the past 10 years, the 21 Gables from Spier in the Vlottenburg area alongside the Eerste River in the western reaches of Stellenbosch continues to deliver on its promise. Five years old and just starting to peak at the time of writing, the 2021 vintage was a trophy winner at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. According to the judges: “Big aromas of juicy spiced fruit and a touch of mint lead to a wonderfully layered palate of concentrated plum, clove, and cedar. Seductive and beautifully structured with a gloriously long, vibrant finish.”
21 Gables? Yup, 21 Cape Dutch gables, incorporated into the architecture of various buildings on the estate, which dates back to 1692. Besides Cabernet Sauvignon, Spier 21 Gables also features near the top of the SA pecking order as regards the most highly rated Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and red blends.
SPIER 21 GABLES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021
WO Stellenbosch: single vineyard on north-west slope of the Helderberg mountain in the south of Stellenbosch. 18-year-old vines. Decomposed granitic soil with clay in the subsoil. Grapes handpicked, destemmed and individually sorted for colour and size. Fermentation in stainless-steel tanks. Free-run wine transferred to 300L French oak barrels (60% new) for 26 months. Barrel selection.
Alc 14.5% | RS 3.2g/l | TA 5.5g/l | pH 3.6
From Cellarmaster Johan Jordaan’s Tasting Notes: Deep ruby red. Perfumed abundance of cassis and notes of violets, moving to cedar and pencil-lead aromas. Powerful yet elegant. Full-bodied and ripe, concentrated structure, well-integrated tannins. Just beginning to show secondary nuances. Opulent finish.
Cellaring/Maturation Potential: “Savour 4 to 15 years from vintage”
Pairing Recommendations: Serve with chargrilled sirloin or ribeye steak and Parmesan truffle fries, or a hearty roast vegetable cassoulet.
R440pb (750ml) ex-cellar. Magnums (1.5L) at R1100pb.