Wine Region: Cape of Good Hope

(2020) This is a powerful, concentrated and meaty Pinotage from the slopes of the Tygerberg mountain, just seven kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean. It spent 11 months in a combination of French and American oak barriques, 30% of which were new. Dark, brooding sour cherry and spices dominate the nose, with a bit of mocha and meat-stock. In the mouth the substantial presence of the wine shows both sweet and ripe fruit, but that edgy darkness again, plenty of tannic heft and good acids giving it juiciness and structure. A fine example of the variety.

(2020) What a lovely style of Chardonnay, taking advantage of the cool conditions of high altitude vineyards at 960 metres on the Cape of Good Hope. Fermented in French oak barriques, 33% new, it spends a further six months in barrel, with lees stirring. Though that recipe gives richness with oatmeal and crushed almond on the nose and a sheen of creamy oak to the palate, there's also a definite cool climate edge to this, a hint of herbaceousness and very crisp, elegantly fresh and decisive limey acidity, the cool, lightly flinty character just showing a little peachy weight mid-palate before the racing acidity kicks in to the finish. A delightful wine. Watch the video for more information and food-matching suggestions.

(2019) Fine mineral salts nose, taut and racy apple core fruit, tiny floral nuances, and a creamy and peachy fruit beneath. What beautiful fruit, peach flesh and juice, flowing and elegant acidity, apricot and lime, into a long shimmering finish of great style.

(2019) From the Cape of Good Hope this is old vine Roussanne, Chenin, Semillon, Clairette Blanche and Chardonnay. Beautiful oak treatment here, that creaminess and light toast, the natural ferment character adding a lovely spicy and funky touch.  The palate has a surprisingly fresh and direct lemony fruit. Lovely light touch, shimmering with bold citrus flavours, lovely grip but not phenolic.