WARWICK ESTATE | Trilogy | 2018
cabernet franc | cabernet sauvignon | merlot

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Nestled in the picturesque Stellenbosch wine region of South Africa, in the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain, with altitudes ranging from 240 to 360 metres above sea level, Warwick Estate has been a beacon of winemaking excellence since its inception in the early 1980’s. Founded by the Ratcliffe family, the estate is known for its high-quality wines, particularly their renowned Trilogy blend.
The wine we are reviewing today hardly requires any introduction, as it is one of the most renown wine labels from South Africa‘s famous Stellenbosch wine region – Trilogy 2018 by Warwick Estate. This wine has been crafted without skipping a vintage for nearly four decades – a harmonious blend of three grape varieties: cabernet franc (55%), cabernet sauvignon (42%) and merlot (3%), where cabernet franc forms the wine’s main body and structure, cabernet sauvignon enhances the wine’s color and brings black fruit flavors to the forefront, while merlot adds up-front richness and creates a leaner and a more dynamic finish. In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, the final wine has been aged for 24 months in french oak barriques, with some additional bottle ageing before it is deemed ready for the market release.

The Stellenbosch wine region is renowned for its unique terroir, which plays a pivotal role in crafting world-class wines. The soils here are predominantly composed of decomposed granite and clay, which provides excellent drainage while retaining essential nutrients that are vital for healthy grapevine growth.

Stellenbosch enjoys a mediterranean climate, marked by warm sunny days and cool nights. This diurnal temperature range helps preserve the natural acidity in the grapes, essential for producing balanced wines, while facilitating a prolonged ripening season. This slow maturation process allows the grapes to develop complex flavors and reach optimal phenolic ripeness.

While often compared to Bordeaux due to similarities in climate and soil composition, Stellenbosch stands apart thanks to its geographical location. Nestled between rugged mountains and the cooling influence of the nearby ocean, the region benefits from a dynamic interplay of airflows, both warm and cold. These elements impart distinctive characteristics to the grapes, resulting in wines that are rich, vibrant, and complex – a hallmark that sets Stellenbosch apart from its french counterpart.

color: deep & opaque garnet color
clarity: hazygarnet shades at the rim

In the glass, the wine presents a deep and opaque garnet color with hazy garnet shades at the rim, suggesting richness and concentration of flavour.

intensity: rich & intense
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated

On the nose, the wine feels rich and intense, with a ripe and dehydrated fruit character. The foreground is filled with notes of black fruits such as blackcurrant, dark cherry, and blackberry, that mingle with earthy undertones of granite and ink, alongside spicy elements of nutmeg, peppercorn, and anise. The background reveals subtle hints of tobacco and toasted oakwood, adding even more complexity to the wine’s aromatic profile.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: overwhelmingly-crisp

On the palate, the wine tastes crisp, firm, and grippy, showcasing a lively interplay of ripe black fruit flavors. With its dry character, it delivers exuberant acidity and a well-integrated alcoholic warmth, supported by ripe and grippy tannins, that provide a structured backbone on the mouthfeel, leading to a lengthy and overwhelmingly-crisp aftertaste, that reflects the wine’s complexity and depth.

maturity: developing | needs more time | drink now or age for another 3 to 5 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, the Warwick Trilogy 2018 is a prime example of what Stellenbosch wine region has to offer. It is still developing beautifully, making it enjoyable today or an excellent candidate for further aging over the next 3 to 5 years. This wine showcases structure, intensity, and a clear expression of its dusty terroir, while also delivering a hint of that subtle elegance and finesse that is typically associated with Bordeaux blends.

WARWICK ESTATE | Trilogy | 2018
variety: cabernet franc | cabernet sauvignon | merlot
country: South Africa
region: Western Cape | Stellenbosch
rating: 94.3

Consider pairing this wine with roasted lamb leg seasoned with aromatic herbs and served alongside a rich, red wine reduction, as the wine’s intense fruit flavors and exuberant acidity would counter-balance beautifully the meat’s richness, creating a harmonious balance of flavours and textures worth savoring.

Warwick Estate is not just famous for its wines but also for its stunning winery, often dubbed the ‘Home of the Trilogy.’ Visitors can enjoy incredible tasting experiences set against the backdrop of the scenic Stellenbosch mountains. The estate is also well-known for its centuries of grape-growing tradition, with the Ratcliffe family taking pride in preserving and cultivating a legacy of quality in South African wines.

© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation. Cheers!