On Monday evening, 19 May, the Hilton London Olympia hosted a highly anticipated event on the international wine calendar: the unveiling of The Mentors Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.
This marks only the sixth wine in the prestigious Limited Release collection by The Mentors and its first-ever Cabernet Sauvignon – an iconic variety that returns the range to global ground, first established in 2019 when the series debuted in London with a Carménère.
The inaugural release was a statement of intent: that South African wines stand among the world’s finest when crafted without compromise. Since then, the Limited Release has explored a range of non-traditional varieties for South Africa – Petite Sirah, Malbec, Nebbiolo, and Tempranillo – each reimagined through the unique lens of South African terroir. This sixth release, however, brings the focus back to one of the most revered grapes in the world, offering a Cabernet Sauvignon rooted in Stellenbosch’s celebrated vineyards.
Although it’s the first time Cabernet Sauvignon features in the Limited Release collection, the variety is part of The Mentors’ origin story. In 2012, the first Cabernet Sauvignon was produced under The Mentors label. A statuesque Cabernet Sauvignon, setting a standard for excellence and terroir expression. Now, a decade later, the 2022 Limited Release honours that legacy – crafted from a single block in Stellenbosch’s Bottelary ward. This single vineyard has long been a quiet contributor to blends in The Mentors range but, in this vintage, demanded a solo spotlight.
Winemaker Izele van Blerk, who has been working with this vineyard for over ten years, describes the moment of clarity that led to its elevation. “The first Cabernet under The Mentors label was blended from Stellenbosch and Darling fruit. This 2.56-hectare vineyard in Bottelary has been part of our cellar for a long time, used as a building block in The Mentors Perold and Orchestra. In 2022, the block delivered such profound fruit and structure that we knew it was ready to stand alone, pure Stellenbosch in character.”
The vineyard’s location played a crucial role in the wine’s profile. Planted in 2002 on deep granitic soils, allowing for slow, even ripening, it yields just 8 tonnes per hectare. This exceptional terroir contributed to a wine of immense depth, tension, and structure – an ideal candidate for The Mentors’ most exclusive label. Only the finest barrels were selected following 18 months of aging in 100% new French oak.
Expect a wine layered with violet, blackcurrant, and ripe plum, unfolding into savoury tones of tobacco leaf, eucalyptus, and green pepper. Tannins are structured yet refined, guiding a finish built for longevity. This is a wine designed to evolve gracefully over two decades – powerful, yet poised. The unveiling also symbolised more than just releasing a new wine – it reaffirms the six pillars at the heart of The Mentors’ philosophy. These are:
- Heritage: celebrating Stellenbosch’s status as a cornerstone of South African Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Expression: capturing the authentic voice of a vineyard and vintage.
- Precision: meticulous winemaking that transforms clarity into complexity.
- Purity: allowing the fruit to speak with minimal intervention.
- Artistry: challenging convention to achieve creative excellence.
- Vision: crafting wines that represent the distinct identity of South African terroir.
Van Blerk emphasises the pillars of heritage, precision, and vision that guided the 2022 release. “Stellenbosch, particularly Bottelary, is one of South Africa’s great Cabernet Sauvignon territories. It took ten years of working with this site to know it was ready. Vision turns that knowledge into something singular – reflecting who we are as winemakers and a country.”
Tanya Blokdyk, Brand Manager for The Mentors, highlighted the artistry behind the Limited Edition series. “This wine is an expression of the unexpected – our opportunity to introduce something surprising that keeps the brand dynamic and future-focused.”
Cabernet Sauvignon, planted globally across more than 341,000 hectares, has shaped the identity of regions from Bordeaux to Napa to Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. With this release, Stellenbosch asserts itself as a worthy peer among them. To us, The Mentors’ 6th Limited Release represents a declaration of confidence in South African terroir and winemaking prowess. The Mentors Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is now available from the KWV Wine Emporium, priced at R799 per bottle.
