“Goodness, what a color!” remarked a panel member as the first glass of Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2018 was poured. This prestigious South African wine is released annually in a nationally allocated quota through Systembolaget (the Swedish alcohol retail monopoly). This year, the allocation totaled 3,600 bottles (Article number 95969-01, available by order). Hailing from the Stellenbosch mountain region, this wine embodies the interplay of the Atlantic’s cool breezes and the Indian Ocean’s warmth, nurturing grapes in dry, Mediterranean-like soils. Despite the past year being the driest in South Africa in a century, the region continues to produce exceptional wines such as this vintage (bottled in 2018). With an alcohol content of 14.5% and a pronounced flavor profile accompanied by only 2.2 grams of sugar, the Tokara exhibits characteristics reminiscent of a high-quality Amarone.
The aroma, immediately after decanting, is mature, complex, and refined, showcasing distinct berry notes; including both forest fruits like blackberries and nuances of cherries. The palate is notably full-bodied, characterized by a strong berry essence, complemented by hints of chocolate and coffee, and a refreshing suggestion of mint or eucalyptus. The deep ruby color derives from a classic Bordeaux blend consisting of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Malbec. The winemaking process involves traditional fermentation, initially in stainless steel tanks and wooden vats, followed by aging in 54% new French oak barrels (barrique) for 22 months.
Paired with a medium-rare beef tenderloin and a rich peppercorn sauce, the wine proved to be an exceptional complement. “Almost even better with food”, one panel member noted. A well-executed béarnaise sauce would also be an excellent pairing, harmonizing with the wine’s intensity and complex flavor profile. This wine offers a rewarding pairing experience.
Priced at 229 kronor per bottle (subject to availability), this wine represents a worthwhile investment for those seeking a product of this caliber, even if it is reserved for special occasions rather than everyday enjoyment. According to the producer, this wine possesses excellent aging potential for up to 10 years.
Regarding dessert pairings, careful consideration is advised. The wine’s profile may not integrate seamlessly with excessively sweet desserts. However, its inherent quality remains evident, suggesting that a cheese board featuring rich and flavorful cheeses could be a successful accompaniment (perhaps enhanced with a drizzle of honey).
Jury member 1: 10 points. “Excellent; I am highly satisfied. Any drawbacks? Difficult to identify. Perhaps the price point? However, in my opinion, it is justified by the quality.”
Jury member 2: 8 points. “A wine displaying substantial body and character. The aftertaste is slightly too intense for my preference.”
Jury member 3: 9 points “A superb wine for savoring alongside a well-prepared meal. However, it may not be ideally suited for casual enjoyment.”
Nigab provided a sample for this review. The provision of samples does not influence our editorial independence; our assessments are conducted with the consumer’s interests as the primary focus.
