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Van Biljon Wines Cinq 2019: Rich Complexity in Every Glass

Van Biljon Wines Cinq 2019: Rich Complexity in Every Glass

7 /10
EDITOR
7.5 /10
COMMUNITY (6)
Vineyard: Van Biljon
Type: Red
ABV: 13.5% ABV
Price: £39.95
Grape Varieties: Blend

Tasting Notes

Nose

Rich plum and blackberry on the nose, layered with notes of vanilla, dried herbs, and a touch of dark chocolate

Palate

Juicy and fruit-forward with bright acidity, red berry freshness, and a gentle peppery warmth through the mid-palate

Finish

Long and warming with lingering dark fruit, gentle spice, and a dry tannic grip

First Impressions

Van Biljon Wines Cinq 2019 arrives at £39.95 for 75cl, and at this price, it needs to offer genuine quality to stand out in a crowded market. The Van Biljon winery, in South Africa, is located on the southern slopes of the Polkadraai Hills. The exceptional climate creates ideal conditions for Bordeaux grape varieties and this

France's winemaking heritage needs no introduction, but the best producers continue to find new ways to express their terroir while honouring centuries of tradition. Van Biljon is a name worth knowing in this context.

On the Nose and Palate

The nose offers rich plum and blackberry on the nose, layered with notes of vanilla, dried herbs, and a touch of dark chocolate. Moving to the palate, the wine is juicy and fruit-forward with bright acidity, red berry freshness, and a gentle peppery warmth through the mid-palate. The finish is long and warming with lingering dark fruit, gentle spice, and a dry tannic grip.

Food Pairing and Serving

This pairs beautifully with roasted red meats, aged cheeses, and hearty stews. Serve at around 16–18°C, and consider decanting for 30 minutes to let the aromas fully develop.

The Verdict

Van Biljon Wines Cinq 2019 earns a well-deserved 7 out of 10. This is an very good red that delivers its blend with genuine conviction and craft. At £39.95, this is a serious wine that justifies the investment. Whether you're building a cellar or simply looking for something excellent to drink tonight, this bottle earns its place.

Where to Buy

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Joe Whitfield
Joe Whitfield
Editor-in-Chief

London Dry, Distillery Heritage, Industry Analysis, Spirits Editorial

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Community Reviews

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Kwame Mensah VIPsAllowed - Nice but a bit steep
6/10

The wine shop guy recommended this and it's perfectly fine — good plummy flavours, decent finish. But honestly for nearly forty quid I expected something that'd blow my socks off. It's nice, just not forty-quid nice in my book.

24 March 2026
Tiffany Nguyen VIPsAllowed - Great with a roast
7/10

Had this with a slow-cooked lamb shoulder and it was spot on. Loads of blackberry and plum going on, and there's a chocolate-y thing in the background that works really well with rich food. Would grab another bottle if I saw it on offer.

3 March 2026
Haruki Sato VIPsAllowed - One of the best blends I've had this year
9/10

Absolutely loved this. The mix of ripe plum and that bright redcurrant acidity is just chef's kiss. And the finish — the clove and pepper spice just lingers and lingers. Already ordered another bottle. Worth every penny at £40.

11 February 2026
Gianluca Ferro VIPsAllowed - Birthday treat that delivered
8/10

My wife got me this for my birthday and I'm glad she did. It's a proper grown-up red — fruit-forward but not jammy, with a bit of spice and a finish that goes on forever. The cranberry brightness really keeps it interesting. Seriously considering buying a couple more to put away.

4 February 2026
Kenji Watanabe VIPsAllowed - Solid South African blend
7/10

I've been getting into SA wines lately and this is a solid example. Nice balance between the darker fruit and that herby, savoury side. Not the cheapest but the quality is there. Goes down very easily with a braai or even just cheese and crackers.

24 November 2025
Ruth Banks VIPsAllowed - Really impressed with this one
8/10

Bought this for a dinner party and it was a massive hit. The dark fruit flavours are gorgeous and it's got this lovely peppery warmth that sneaks up on you. At £40 it's not an everyday bottle but it felt worth it for the occasion.

16 October 2025

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