Get to know: The Mentors Canvas 2020
A bold and expressive South African red wine from the Western Cape, crafted by the acclaimed winemaking team at KWV.
Tasting Note
The Mentors Canvas 2020 is a richly layered and complex blend that brings together Shiraz, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Tempranillo and Mourvèdre in perfect harmony. Deep ruby in colour, it opens with intense aromas of dark cherry, plum and mulberry, interwoven with hints of clove and spice. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and concentrated, showing ripe berry fruit, supple texture, and soft, chalky tannins. The finish is long and elegant, balancing depth of flavour with a sense of refined power. This Western Cape red showcases the best of South Africa’s terroir-driven, expressive winemaking.
Top food pairings:
- Grilled ribeye steak with rosemary butter
- Slow-braised venison or beef short ribs
- Rich mushroom and thyme stew
Kate Says
"This is one of those wines that stops you mid-sip – the fruit is so pure and beautifully defined. Layers of plum, spice and dark cherry just unfold, each one more inviting than the last. It’s powerful, but with real finesse."
Producer Info
KWV is one of South Africa’s most respected and historic producers, established over a century ago and still leading the way in quality and innovation. Based in the Western Cape, KWV works with 72 growers across the region, giving its winemaking team access to a diverse range of vineyard sites – from cool coastal areas to sun-baked inland valleys. Their Mentors series celebrates precision, craftsmanship, and the incredible diversity of South African wine, showcasing the best fruit from each vintage in small, carefully curated blends.
How it’s made:
- Varieties: Shiraz, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Tempranillo, Mourvèdre
- Only the best bunches and berries were hand-selected for this blend
- Fermented separately before blending to preserve each variety’s character
- Matured for 18 months in French oak (50% first-fill, 300–500L barrels)
- Carefully blended to create balance, complexity and depth
Good to know:
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Region: Western Cape, South Africa
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Style: Red, full-bodied
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Closure: Natural cork
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Vegan: Yes
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ABV: 14.5%
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Vintage: 2020
Why we love it:
This South African red blend is a masterclass in balance – bold, structured and bursting with ripe black fruit, yet silky and refined on the finish. It’s an impressive, cellar-worthy wine that captures the depth and diversity of the Western Cape, perfect for enjoying now or ageing gracefully for a few years.