Agricola K' Sands Shiraz 2025

Asbroek ‘Ancient’ circa 1864 vines. Asbroek 50+ year ‘Old Vines’

14.1% alcohol. 1,644 bottles produced.

This is a mesh of old and very old vines in Asbroek’s plot from around 1864 and then some of their mere 50 year old vines. The K’ Sands wines have often been out of the box in the best sense, wrought with serious tannin, exotic in character, accordingly compelling. I wrote a few releases ago “it seems to mesh the personalities of pinot noir, nebbiolo and nerello mascalese with heartier shiraz…” and that couldn’t be more apt again, though this is the most (excellent) and firmly tannic expression of K’ Sands yet.

Groaning under its grip and guttural grind, a very serious shiraz of depth, richness, warm forest berry fruit character, garam masala spice, new leather, dried rose petal notes – all of this captured in a dart-shaped sluice that finishes gradually palate staining, inky and earthy-spicy. The texture is all firm slate and finely crushed rock; immensely satisfying and refreshing despite the inherent heft and intensity of the impossibly midnight black fruit contained within. A flicker of game meat, smouldering eucalyptus leaves and twigs as seasoning. Astonishingly evocative and satisfying as a meaty red, but so compelling, again, for its originality and fruit driven excellence. 97 Pts, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front