Description
“The outstanding ‘New World’ sparkling of 2020 was South African. This Cap Classique – which is the term used to describe Champagne style traditional method fizz from the Western Cape – hailed from the cellars of Graham Beck, and was its top expression, called Cuvée Clive. Because it was sampled ‘blind’, the judges didn’t know the source, but what they did pick up on was a rare and enticing combination of ripe yellow fruit and roasted, nutty nuances, along with fresh tangy brightness. It was clean, complex, and cleansing with the hallmarks of great Champagne, but with much richer, juicier fruit. In other words, something bolder than you’d find in the classic French fizz region, and for that reason, an exciting, indulgent and distinctive alternative. We were impressed.”
