David Finlayson Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

David Finlayson is a third-generation winemaker in Stellenbosch, whose grandfather, father, and uncle are legendary figures in the South African wine trade. After a prestigious post-graduate stint at Château Margaux, David returned to his father’s winery, Glen Carlou, to accept a position as head winemaker. They were so successful that the winery was purchased by Donald Hess, best known for the Napa Valley Hess Collection.

After selling Glen Carlou the two then acquired one of the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch where they revitalized the older vineyards. True to their roots they specialized in French varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Today their wines harken back to the early days of Stellenbosch winemaking, when many wineries in the region had a strong French influence.

When you open this wine, I strongly suggest decanting it for at least half an hour. This is a wine that needs a bit of time to open up, but once it does, it is certainly worth the wait. On the palate, the wine delivers notes of cooked blackcurrant, plum leaf, fresh blueberry, cigar wrapper, and old leather. Enjoy it from 2026 to 2030 with sausage stew, grilled lamb patties with yogurt sauce, or marinated flank steak.