Community Review

Natte Valleij P.O.W. Cape Of Good Hope 2016

Simonsberg, Paarl, South Africa

Community Score: 4.6/5
Community Reviews: 1

Price: $34.00

Sweetness: Dry
Alcohol: 14%

Drink: 2020-2022

Bottle size: 750 ml
Winery: Natte Valleij

Alana L rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Love the story behind this wine! Dating to 1715, the historic Cape Dutch buildings of Natte Valleij have been home to quite a cast of interesting people, one of them being an Italian prisoner of war (P.O.W.) captured in Abyssinia by South African troops and exiled to the Cape to spend the duration of the war on the Natte Valleij grounds. In winemaker Alex Milner’s house, where the unnamed prisoner lived helping with the farming and winemaking, is the inscription ‘P.O.W. B.T. 27-12-1943’ – the only reminder of his stay.

In his honour they handcrafted this limited release wine. Traditionally vinified, unfined, unfiltered & handcrafted from start to finish, P.O.W. is a blend of the finest grapes of the 2016 vintage (75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot) and matured for 36 months in large oak barrels. Deep ruby in colour with medium aromas and flavours of red plum, dark berry jam, cassis and eucalyptus and secondary aromas of leather and smoke from the oak barrels. Made in the Bordelais style with medium acidity, medium (velvet) tannins and medium body and finish, it’s a wine that is high in alcohol but well balanced, wintery, warm and well structured.

Could easily age 5-10 years, but why would you want to delay the pleasure? Tasted as part of the ‘Les Cavistes’ South African tasting with a charcuterie platter but would be a great pairing with any matter of roast or duck confit. Cheers!

Read Natalie's Full Review

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

SAVE MY SEAT!

Wine of the Week

As featured on

Charles Baker White Wine
Riesling 2021,
Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A. ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 333,881 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources. learn more

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,881 strong:

Community Review