Stark-Condé : Oude Nektar Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

A sleek, fragrant red, medium- to full-bodied and sculpted by tightly knit tannins, with notes of ripe and juicy red currant, raspberry puree, star anise and lavender. Hints of eucalyptus, smoky mineral and graphite show on the firm, racy finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2022 through 2027. 10 cases imported.

A complex, muscular wine with woody herbs, black fruit, and floral notes. Firm structure, citrusy lift, and rich tobacco evolve into a dark, seductive profile with cocoa and coffee. Elegant with a precise, long finish with a touch of fruit sweetness on the finish.

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Oude Nektar has that trademark briny nose that lends it Old World/Bordeaux allure, very well-defined with a lovely underlying herbaceous aspect. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant entry. There’s more red fruit than the 2020, although I detect a slight greenness towards the finish, hence my lower score. Still a well-crafted wine, though.

Bursting with a juicy nature, the 2017 Oude Nektar opens with a soft essence of dried herbs, juicy dark cherry, cassis, redcurrant and blackberry before offering up red and purple flowers with a dusty, sweet oak essence. Medium to full-bodied, the wine shows a broad mouthfeel with a kiss of residual sugar on the mid-palate, with flavors of tart red cherry, black tea and dark chocolate. The wine ends with elements of graphite, black raspberry and black tea on the lingering finish. This delicious and juicy wine is food-friendly and thoroughly delightful. As the front label states, only 4,617 bottles were made.