Mitre's Edge - Sholto, 2018

Wine Tasting Notes:

On colour
Mitre's Edge Sholto 2018 can be described, in WSET Level 3 terms, as deep ruby with a dense core, reflecting a concentrated, ripe red from a warm South African vintage. The rim would likely just be starting to show the first hints of garnet, suggesting some early development while still clearly youthful overall. The wine would present as clear and bright in the glass, with slow, stained legs indicating elevated alcohol and good extract consistent with a full-bodied style.

On the nose
On the nose, expect a pronounced and complex profile built around ripe black fruit such as blackcurrant, blackberry and black plum, supported by red cherry and perhaps a touch of mulberry. Oak influence would reasonably show as notes of cedar, sweet spice, vanilla and a hint of smoke or toast, integrated with subtle savoury tones like tobacco or leather as the wine begins to evolve. A gentle herbal or leafy lift and some dried floral or spice complexity would add finesse and indicate a wine made with careful selection and maturation.

On the palate
On the palate, this wine would be dry, with full body and firmly structured yet ripe tannins giving a confident, grippy frame around the concentrated fruit. Flavours should echo the nose, with layered blackcurrant, plum and cherry alongside cedar, baking spice, chocolate or mocha notes from oak, all supported by medium to medium-plus acidity that keeps the palate fresh. The finish would be long, carrying dark fruit, spice and a touch of savoury complexity, suggesting that the 2018 still has further capacity to develop in bottle while already drinking well with rich red meat dishes.

On the whole
A structured, full-bodied and dark-fruited South African red with integrated oak and savoury complexity, offering both immediate pleasure and further ageing potential.