2022 Anwilka

As usual, I tasted the latest Anwilka release at Klein Constantia. Matt Day was put in charge of this Bordeaux blend a couple of vintages back and advised he has slightly altered the barrel regime. “We have changed the élevage on Anwilka to less time on oak,” he told me, “so now only 12 months in 50% 225-liter barrels, ideally for the Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% in 400-liter, ideally for the Syrah. In the past, we have done 16 months only in 400-liter barrels. The change to 225-liter was purely from a barrel quality point of view. We have found that the 400-liter barrels are generally generic, and you are unable to select better wood or seasoning, etc., so a move to 225-liter was made to improve this. Less time in oak is purely for oxidation management. We are trying to reduce the amount of oak age in order to bottle a fresher style of Anwilka - any longer, and we find that the wine starts to dry out on the mid pallet.” The 2022 Anwilka is a superb addition to a cuvée that is moving with the times, much lighter and more elegant than what I tasted a decade ago. I particularly like the garrigues-like tinge imparted by the Syrah.