Tim Atkin MW (99)

Boekenhoutskloof has always made impressive, age-worthy Semillons, but Gottfried Mocke has taken the 2020 to another level of complexity. Using grapes from three old parcels, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, with the largest component from the legendary La Colline vineyard, this includes 2% Muscat d'Alexandrie and some field blended Semillon Gris. Fermented in two thirds new wood, with the rest seeing concrete eggs and amphoras, it's one of the greatest ever Cape whites. Stony, flinty and layered, with wax, lemongrass and nutmeg flavours and subtle struck match reduction. Wow!

Tim Atkin MW (96)

Boekenhoutskloof's world-class Semillon uses grapes from three distinct blocks in Franschhoek, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, combining these with 3% Muscat d'Alexandrie. Showing more acidity and restraint than the stunning 2020, and less of the struck match character, it has notes of lemongrass, custard and beeswax and a core of chiselled acidity. Needs more time.

Vinous (91)

The 2017 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon contains 4% Cabernet Franc and sees 18 months in 60% new French oak. It has a more Bordeaux-like aromatic profile than its Franschhoek counterpart, scents of cedar and mint infusing the blackberry and raspberry fruit. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and plump blackberry and raspberry fruit laced with clove and touches of violet. It finishes in much more Cape style, with fennel and a hint of aniseed lingering on the aftertaste. This just shows more personality and complexity than the Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon this year.

Matthew Jukes (18.5+)

Plush and packed with cassis, this is a tremendously flashy wine with deep wells of liqueur-like fruit coupled with strident oak and a lovely bright, dry finish. Yearning to be set free, BCSS is like a prize-fighter itching for the bell so it can launch itself at its opponent. This is an amazing Cabernet and while it has the stuffing to go deep into the later rounds, I love its toned flanks and glistening musculature right now.

Platter's South African Wine Guide (97)

(Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year) Power & precision combine in stellar 2019. Ripe black cherry fruit with lifted perfume notes (dab of cab franc, as Franschhoek sibling), fine integrated tannins & fresh, lithe appeal. 75% new French oak adds to muscular richness completing a very fine wine. 5 parcels in Helderberg, Polkadraai & Faure.

Matthew Jukes (18.5)

Overall a little larger and more imposing than the Franschhoek cuvée, this Helderberg-sourced Cabernet is a glossy, succulent, more expressive wine than its stablemate, and it is also more forward and approachable. Built with unerring precision, the amazing brightness of fruit and 60% new oak embellishment have resulted in a Super-Tuscan-shaped wine with obvious allure and a more approachable temperament. Having said this, it has more than enough stuffing to last a decade with ease and in terms of value for money this is a small price to pay for a wine of this integrity.

Matthew Jukes (19+)

I have never forgotten the 2000 vintage of this wine, which I wrote up in one of my books many moons ago. In the blink of an eye, the perfume on this 2018 vintage took me back to that great wine and while this label has been known to wander off into the forest in certain vintages, it is back with a brooding bang and loaded with Hermitage-like malevolence in 2018. With a melange of both red and black fruit tones and considerable aromatic lift on the nose, this is a Syrah with its feet firmly planted in the earth while its head is in the clouds such is the scale and majesty of its posture. Like the other reds in this vintage, the oak integration is near perfect and this allows the fruit to sing. If there is one wine to drink before the other reds, then this is it, and while it might be a criminal offence to drink this wine so young, I am sure you will break the law for a flavour as enthralling and all-encompassing as this one.

Tim Atkin MW (97)

The wine that launched the modern Syrah revolution in South Africa, even if it's sourced from two sites in the Swartland these days, rather than Somerset West. Almost indecently perfumed and alluring, this is a very immediate wine that will also reward cellaring. Sweet spices, red berry fruit, fine, savoury tannins and just a hint of oak with energetic acidity. 2023-31

Matthew Jukes (19+)

With 90% of the fruit coming from Porseleinberg and 10% from Goldmine, both in Swartland, this is a wondrous wine with more detail and finesse than any preceding vintage. Utilising only large foudre, the spice and fruit aromatics are as pure and evocative as I have encountered in a Cape Syrah. While the flavour palette is more deep purple than black-fruited, there is no obvious oak intervention and this allows the fruit to soar. Sanguineous and sappy on the finish, this is a glorious red wine with elemental animal notes interwoven with silky ribbons of beautifully ripe blackcurrant, mulberry and plum flavours. With the same texture and volume of fruit as a Vosne-Romanée, this is a regal creation that distances itself from the meat and muscle often found in sun-loving Syrahs!

Tim Atkin MW (97)

Given that 90% of its raw material comes from Porseleinberg - the other 10% comes from Boekenhoutskloof's Roundstone property - it's no surprise that this is such an impressive Syrah. Fermented with 65% whole bunches, it combines fynbos, lavender and Asian spice aromas with a palate of white pepper, barbecued meat, oregano and blackberry framed by sappy, granular tannins. World class.

Matthew Jukes (19+)

With a thrilling perfume that resembles a lusty Morey-Saint-Denis more than a hulking Cornas, this sensual, pliable Syrah has embraced the multifaceted vintage conditions, unveiling an uncommonly prescient and enthralling wine. Totally integrated tannins beneath a shimmering, black-fruited carapace of flesh and spice, this is a genial fellow and the most approachable and civilised Swartland creation in a decade.

Immerse yourself in the refined complexities of the Bonailie Blended Malt Scotch Whisky NV. A superior malt blend, this whisky displays the exquisite artistry that is born from the heart of Scotland's whisky heritage, handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail.

Sourced from the finest distilleries, it is a harmonious blend of select single malt whiskies, each contributing its unique character to create a product both smooth and sophisticated. Matured in oak barrels, Bonailie Blended Malt Scotch Whisky NV offers an unparalleled tasting experience with hints of citrus, vanilla, and caramel, culminating in a long-lasting, smoky finish that embodies the very essence of Scotland’s whisky culture.

Produced with the expertise and dedication of seasoned craftsmen, the Bonailie Blended Malt Scotch Whisky NV is a true testament to the proficiency of Scottish distillation and blending techniques. Experience the liquid symphony of flavours that is Bonailie, marking it as a must-have for any whisky connoisseur.

Tim Atkin MW (98)

I’m making this for Syrah fanatics”, says Reenen Borman. Lucky them is all I can say, because this is another stunning release from a brilliant young winemaker. Intense, granitic and spicy, with lovely lavender and garrigue aromas, layers of dark, inky fruit, stylish oak and amazing length. What more do you want from a Syrah? 2020-30

The benchmark cuvée from the exceptionally talented Reenen Borman, at the helm of this mythical estate since 2010 - this wine is spoken about in hushed tones amongst experts, critics.

50% whole-bunch fermentation has given the wine monolithic structure, without a single brick out of place. 25% of the wine was raised in 400 litre oak barrels, imparting gentle seasoning and further fine tannins, whilst the remaining 75% was raised in concrete eggs, preserving the fruit's sensational freshness and impossible purity.

Naturally, this wine is infantile due to its quality and structure, but already it displays a mesmeric mélange of violets, dried flowers, herbs and spices on the nose. Positively quivering with energy at this stage, the wine’s acidity shoots like Artemis’ arrow across the palate, losing no momentum through the endless finish. It is hard to overstate the juddering quality of Epilogue – Tim Atkin MW said of the 2017 that it was “now established as one of the Cape’s great Syrahs”... It is now one of the world’s greatest wines.

IWSC (97)

Very classy wine with nicely judged oak that adds vanilla spice to the tropical fruit and toffee apple flavours. Perfectly poised with crisp acidity and an elegant, long finish.

From the verdant shores of Islay, Scotland comes the exquisite Bunnahabhain Islay Single Malt Fighting Fish 23YO 1991. This exceptional malt whisky, the epitome of 23 years of meticulous craftsmanship, stems from the revered Bunnahabhain distillery, renowned for its unwavering commitment to time-honoured whisky producing traditions. This captivating vintage 1991 expression has been delicately crafted using pure spring water from the Ben Rinnes spring, married with choice malted barley and aged beautifully in American oak barrels.

Indeed, the Bunnahabhain Islay Single Malt Fighting Fish 23YO 1991 boasts a character as distinct as its heritage; unfolding intricate layers of spicy ginger, dark chocolate, and a tantalising hint of the maritime, sealed with undertones of aromatic wood-smoke. Bountiful in complexity, charm, and richness, it remains remarkably balanced. A wonderful addition for collectors and enthusiasts alike; this Scottish gem is a quintessential testament to the grandeur of Islay malts.

Bunnahabhain is a truly special distillery and there are few independent bottlers who have managed to secure more impressive casks from this unique Islay distillery than Signatory. Also trust them to exercise such supreme patience as to wait until this reached perfection at 42 years of age! Very few distilleries can hit such an advanced age without falling apart but Bunnahabhain's finely honed spirit is uniquely balanced and perfect for extensive maturation. Matured in a refill sherry butt and bottled at natural cask strength of 47.9% with incredible finesse, dried fruit flavours and an elegant spiciness. 427 bottles filled in 2016.