The Roodeberg label from KWV is one of the South African wine industry’s iconic brands that rose to fame in the 1950’s and 1960’s and then soared to icon status in the 1970s and early 1980s before mysteriously losing its way with the changing of the guard post 1994. The 1949 Roodeberg Red Blend is a return to the original premium Roodeberg tradition and philosophy attempting to create a wine with universal fine wine appeal. The excellent maiden 2017 vintage was produced from premium Stellenbosch grapes grown on the Grondves Farm, one of the primary sites for the development of mother plant material for the South African wine industry decades ago. 

Roodeberg 1949 embraces the revival of exciting French and Spanish varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon forms the foundation of the blend supported by Tempranillo, Carignan and Carménère. After fermentation, the different components were left to mature for circa 18 months in new French oak barrels with only the best barrels selected for blending and bottling. If you’ve never tried this KWV Cuvee, seek it out as it offers incredibly consistent high quality at an accessible price point just over £22 per bottle.

KWV Roodeberg 1949 Red Blend 2020, WO Stellenbosch, 14.5% Abv.

This is another enticing 1949 Cuvee with rich nuanced aromatics of sweet black plum, bramble berries, blackberry compote, milk chocolate and delicate herbal hints with a sweet bay leaf kiss. On the palate, the sweet red and black berry fruits are seamlessly balanced by bright tangy black currant acids, soft sweet supple tannins and a medium weighted, creamy intensity.  This is an attractive, well constructed red blend that stays true to the 2020 vintage’s supple, elegant, fleshy accessibility. Always excellent value for money, I remain a massive fan of the 1949 Cuvée! Drink on release until 2030+.

(Wine Safari Score: 94/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

The KWV 1949 is imported into the UK by North South Wines.