Asara Private Cellar – The Bell Tower 2012 – Stellenbosch, South Africa 

The nose is fruity, powerful, relatively aromatic and offers concentration. It reveals notes of crushed cassis, blackberry cream and licorice associated with touches of crushed redcurrant, ripe cherry as well as touches of Cuben pepper, toasted oak, mocha and sweet spices /vanilla. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers a nice acid frame, minerality, fat, tension, a fine juiciness, freshness, a good “guideline”, gourmandise and a certain complexity. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of crushed cassis, Boysen berry, crushed strawberry and slight notes of fresh redcurrants combined with fine touches of pepper, violet (discreet), toasted oak as well as fine grilled touches, sweet spices / vanilla and a hint of tea. Tannins are a bit firm. Good length. There are slight touches of caramelization on the finish. Beautiful persistence.