2022 Aslina - Cabernet Sauvignon Umsasane Stellenbosch (750ml)

Aslina Wines was founded in 2016 by Ntsiki Biyela, South Africa's first Black female winemaker, who trained in oenology and viticulture at Stellenbosch University before spending over a decade as head winemaker at Stellakaya. She launched her own label after self-funding the project, naming it Aslina in honor of her late grandmother. Umsasane, the estate's flagship red, takes its name from the Zulu word for acacia tree and was also her grandmother's nickname, chosen to reflect the qualities of shelter and strength the tree represents.

This Bordeaux-style blend leans heavily on Cabernet Sauvignon, rounded out with Cabernet Franc and a smaller portion of Petit Verdot, sourced from select sites around Stellenbosch. The wine spends sixteen months in French oak, with roughly a fifth of the barrels new, a regimen chosen to build structure while leaving room for the fruit to show through.

Expect cassis, blackberry, and blueberry on the palate, layered with fresh strawberry and a touch of black cherry. Cedar spice, wood smoke, and a hint of clove add complexity, while sweet, ripe tannins keep the finish smooth rather than gripping. Serve it alongside roasted lamb, grilled steak, or aged cheddar.