South Africa
At the bottom of its great continent, South Africa is a country of unlimited natural advantages. With the confluence of two oceans at the Cape, the sheltering effect of inland mountain chains and some of the most dynamic soils in the world, every piece is in place for the production of fine wine. The most well-known region has historically been Stellenbosch, but it is the wines of Swartland that have really turned South African wine on its head in recent years.
The wine industry is in the midst of a renaissance with classically styled wines making full advantage of remarkable terroir and an adventurous spirit. As a result, South Africa is producing some truly exceptional wines of great character and value. Striking blockbuster Syrahs and Bordeaux blends to full bodied Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc are some of this great nation’s offerings. South Africa’s own grape, Pinotage, leaves critics divided yet can produce excellent single-variety offerings as well as distinguished Cape blends.
South Africa
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Christian Eedes (93)
34% Grenache Blanc from Piekenierskloof, 31% Verdelho from Stellenbosch, 21% Roussanne from Stellenboch and 15% Chenin Blanc sourced from both Stellenbosch and Swartland. On the nose , white peach, potpourri and dried herbs. The palate is light bodied and tightly wound with pure fruit, fresh acidity and a very dry finish. Has a lovely restraint about it.$161.00 -
Christian Eedes (95)
50% Chenin Blanc, 42% Verdelho and 8% Grenache Blanc. Roussanne has been dropped from the mix this year while some of the Chenin Blanc is from the Piekenierskloof Skuinskap vineyard – Lourens opting not to release this as a standalone wine as he felt he left picking too late. Pretty and enticing aromatics of pear, peach, citrus plus hints of potpourri and dried herbs and a little flinty reduction while the palate has a dense core of fruit and comes across as entirely seamless. This is establishing itself as one of the best Cape White Blends around.$187.00 -
(1x75cl) 2017$91.00 -
Discover the brilliance of Lukas Loggerenberg Trust Your Gut 2020, meticulously bundled by vastly admired South African winemaker, Lukas Loggerenberg. After a harvest from the exquisite Stellenbosch region, the grapes were 100% whole-bunch fermented, delicately handled, and left to mature for a year in old barrels. This simple yet intricate process results in a ethereal blend of distinctive citrus aromas and textured minerality, teeming with elegance and complexity.
Lukas Loggerenberg has swiftly received global recognition for his pioneering approach to winemaking, and the Lukas Loggerenberg Trust Your Gut 2020 is a captivating testament to his craft. This wine exudes Loggerenberg's philosophy of 'trust your gut', marrying intuition with artisan skill to create a wine of exceptional balance and depth. A bottle of Lukas Loggerenberg Trust Your Gut 2020 is indeed an experience, a journey in taste that celebrates the winemaker's passion and ingenuity, destined to impress even the most discerning palates.
$179.00 -
The Lukas van Loggerenberg Breton Cabernet Franc 2018 is a captivating expression of a South African terroir wine emerging from Stellenbosch, the heartland of Cape Winelands. As an ode to his ancestor's Loire Valley origins, the winemaker, Lukas van Loggerenberg, celebrates the elegance of a French-centric style. Harvested from dry farmed vineyards with an intentional low yield, this 100% Cabernet Franc employs whole bunch fermentation in old open-top barrels adding depth and complexity. Aged for 11 months in French oak, it showcases a fragrant nose of raspberry and rose petals complemented by a nuanced palate featuring spice, forest floor and fresh cherries. The tannins are finely grained, supporting a wine that is fruity yet restraint in its character. With only 2000 bottles made, the Lukas van Loggerenberg Breton Cabernet Franc 2018 is a limited production, proving the meticulous craftsmanship of this passionate viticulturist.
$194.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019The Lukas van Loggerenberg Breton Cabernet Franc 2019 is a distinguished expression from South Africa’s esteemed Stellenbosch appellation. Cultivated on south-facing slopes with granitic soils, the vineyards benefit from optimal sunlight and drainage, fostering grapes of exceptional quality. Hand-harvested with meticulous care, each Cabernet Franc undergoes a gentle fermentation process in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve its delicate aromatics. Lukas van Loggerenberg, a venerated producer known for his commitment to sustainable viticulture, employs traditional vinification techniques complemented by modern innovations to enhance the wine’s depth and balance. Post-fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and toast nuances without overshadowing the varietal’s inherent character. The 2019 vintage presents a rich nose of blackcurrant, plum, and floral undertones, evolving into a palate of refined tannins, vibrant acidity, and layered flavours of cherry, tobacco, and graphite. With its elegant structure and persistent finish, the Lukas van Loggerenberg Breton Cabernet Franc 2019 is a superb choice for connoisseurs seeking a sophisticated and expressive fine wine.
$202.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (96)
Lukas van Loggerenberg is a Loire Valley nut, happy to pay to drink the best that the region has to offer and learn from his favourite producers. This is a world-class expression of the variety, combining raw material from Faure and the Polkadraai Hills. Fermented with 25% whole bunches before ageing in concrete and old wood, it has wet grass and pencil shaving aromas, granite-derived freshness and a core of plum and black cherry fruit.$240.00 -
Experience the alluring intimate character of the Lukas Loggerenberg Geronimo Cinsault 2018. This exquisite 100% Cinsault hails from old bush vines in the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Noted wine maker, Lukas Loggerenberg, applies precision and authenticity to his minimalist interventionist approach, allowing the vineyards to candidly express their own lush, captivating personality. This vintage is whole bunch fermented and cask aged for nine months in French and Hungarian oak casks, expressing lithe red fruit flavours, layered with spicy undertones and a gratifying freshness. The Geronimo Cinsault's captivating profile is a testament to Loggerenberg’s commitment to signature natural wines. Sip and savour this classic Lukas Loggerenberg Geronimo Cinsault 2018 and delve into the harmonious marrying of earthy tones with soft, tannic textures. This South African gem is a must for discerning oenophiles, an absolute testament to the captivating magic of Stellenbosch terroir.
$133.00 -
Experience the aristocratic elegance of the Lukas van Loggerenberg Graft Syrah 2021. Produced by the sensational winemaker, Lukas van Loggerenberg, in the esteemed viticultural region of Stellenbosch, South Africa, this Syrah is a sublime testament to the province's renowned prowess in crafting stellar red wines. Lukas, who was crowned the 2018 Young Winemaker of the Year by Tim Atkin, showcases his unparalleled passion for his craft once again in this impeccable varietal. Employing traditional vinification methods, each grape is hand-picked, cautiously fermented, and matured for 11 months in used French oak barrels to maintain the Syrah's intrinsic character. The result is an exquisitely full-bodied wine, loaded with dark fruit and black pepper notes combined with undertones of smoked herbs and black olives. A sip of the Lukas van Loggerenberg Graft Syrah 2021 represents a journey through the heart of South African wine-making tradition and innovation.
$134.00 -
Experience the aristocratic elegance of the Lukas van Loggerenberg Graft Syrah 2021. Produced by the sensational winemaker, Lukas van Loggerenberg, in the esteemed viticultural region of Stellenbosch, South Africa, this Syrah is a sublime testament to the province's renowned prowess in crafting stellar red wines. Lukas, who was crowned the 2018 Young Winemaker of the Year by Tim Atkin, showcases his unparalleled passion for his craft once again in this impeccable varietal. Employing traditional vinification methods, each grape is hand-picked, cautiously fermented, and matured for 11 months in used French oak barrels to maintain the Syrah's intrinsic character. The result is an exquisitely full-bodied wine, loaded with dark fruit and black pepper notes combined with undertones of smoked herbs and black olives. A sip of the Lukas van Loggerenberg Graft Syrah 2021 represents a journey through the heart of South African wine-making tradition and innovation.
$294.00 -
The Lukas van Loggerenberg Kameraderie Chenin Blanc 2017 exemplifies elegance from the renowned Stellenbosch region. Crafted by the esteemed Lukas van Loggerenberg, this Chenin Blanc is made from meticulously hand-picked grapes harvested from sustainably managed vineyards. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant acidity and fresh fruit character, the wine undergoes a careful ageing process on lees to enhance its complexity and texture. Bouquet reveals enticing notes of ripe pear, citrus blossom, and subtle honey undertones, while the palate is beautifully balanced with crisp acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish. The 2017 vintage benefits from optimal growing conditions, resulting in a structured yet refined wine that showcases the quintessential qualities of Chenin Blanc. Ideal for pairing with seafood, poultry, or creamy cheeses, the Lukas van Loggerenberg Kameraderie Chenin Blanc 2017 is a testament to Loggerenberg’s dedication to quality and his profound understanding of terroir. Discover the sophistication and depth of this exceptional vintage today.
$103.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2022 Kameraderie is 100% Chenin Blanc from Swartland, matured in 65% concrete and 35% used oak barrels. Van Loggerenberg mentioned that it is aimed at Chenin purists. Around 70% comes from Lammershoek and was planted in 1960. It has wonderful delineation and mineralité on the nose, vibrant and brimming with energy. The palate is well-balanced with citrus peel, orange rind and just a touch of pistachio, really saline and more-ish on the finish. One of Van Loggerenberg's best cuvées this year.$270.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
Named after the 1.4-hectare block of the same name in Franschhoek, this remarkable Cinsault shows the effortless concentration of a vineyard planted in 1932. Inspired by the style of his favourite Barbarescos (different grape, same elegance and refinement), it has aromas of rose petal and forest floor, granular tannins and sweet plum, raspberry and pomegranate fruit.$270.00 -
(1x75cl) 1999The Meerlust Rubicon 1999 represents an exceptional ruby blend from the renowned Meerlust Wine Estate; a venerated name in South Africa's Stellenbosch wine region. This esteemed blend imparts a pronounced harmony of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, reflecting the Estate's unrivalled prowess in crafting fine Bordeaux-style wine.
Produced from hand-picked grapes, matured in French oak barrels for 17 months, this vintage emanates opulent aromas of ripe plum and dark cherry, underscored by notes of café mocha and exotic spice. A characteristic typifying the elegant depth and complexity of this rich, balanced red.
Meerlust Estate, dating back to 1756, remains under the stewardship of the Myburgh family, lavish in their passionate approach to high-class vinification. The Meerlust Rubicon 1999 embodies the superior craftsmanship and lifetime dedication that have distinguished the Myburgh's wines for generations. Celebrate the majesty of a genuinely revered icon with this timeless Meerlust Rubicon 1999.
$125.00 -
(1x75cl) 2008At the heart of South Africa's iconic Stellenbosch winemaking region lies the esteemed Meerlust estate, producing the heirloom 'Meerlust Rubicon 2008.' Presiding over 300 years of viniculture legacy, Meerlust's uncompromising pursuit of excellence is evident in this Bordeaux-inspired blend. Geared by meticulous cultivation and 24 months maturation in Nevers oak barrels, Meerlust Rubicon 2008 elegantly reflects finesse and sophistication. A triumvirate of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine encapsulates an utterly delectable interplay of aromas – ripe plum, licorice, and blackcurrant graced by the subtleties of truffle and fine spices.
Palate-wise, Meerlust Rubicon 2008 is a spirited adventure of rich flavours across its full-bodied span, balanced by firm tannins and a lasting finish. This wine is bottled poetry, offering measured indulgence over time through its remarkable cellar potential. Invest in the Meerlust Rubicon 2008 experience - an arresting symphony of craftsmanship, heritage and a deep-rooted love for wine.
$124.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2015 Rubicon had been a source of contention prior to my visit, hailed by some respected commentators as one of the Cape’s greats and then almost pilloried in a contemporaneous blind tasting. It is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, each fermented separately before blending. It was matured for 18 months in 66% new oak and the remainder second-fill. So what do I make of the wine? It is clear in color with quite a deep core. The bouquet is refined and focused, offering attractive mint- and graphite-infused black and red fruit and perhaps leaning a little more toward the latter compared to previous vintages. With aeration, subtle touches of pencil shavings emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin and quite velvety in texture, displaying very well integrated new oak. There is a satisfying sense of harmony to this Rubicon and it is certainly well constructed, but it does not possess that peacock’s tail on the finish that takes a very good wine to the level of great. Perfectly enjoyable, and it demonstrates very good winemaking; however, when compared to, say, the 2015 Paul Sauer, it just falls a little short. [I tasted this sighted and then in a mini blind tasting to confirm.]$241.00 -
(1x75cl) 2017Greg Sherwood MW (96+)
The 2017 Rubicon is a classical blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, each vinified separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in 300 litre French Nevers oak barrels, 60% new and 40% second fill. Deep purple-black in colour, the intensity and gravitas of this vintage is highlighted by the tight, dense, dark broody aromatics that require more than a little coaxing out the glass before revealing a very focused, slightly introverted bouquet of complex, tightly interwoven notes of violets, black currant preserve, black plum, Black Forest gateaux and hoisin sauce with backing notes of dried fennel, salty black liquorice, spicy cedar and an exotic Asian 5 spice nuance. While 2017 certainly stands out as another classical year of exceptional quality, the vintage will surely be remembered for its stand-out elegance, seamless palate textures and its signature weightless intensity and concentration. This Rubicon does of course possess plenty of stuffing and dazzles with gentle waves of blackberry crumble, crème de cassis, macerated black cherries, freshly tilled earth, unsmoked cigars and a finely textured, powdery tannin frame that dries the palate on the finish and reminds the drinker that this wine, however enjoyable in its youth, is also built for extended ageing. This really is another exquisite vintage with charm and poise, Grand Vin potency and an overt, unbridled determination to deliver long-term drinking pleasure.$111.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (98)
I've tasted this on three occasions and I'm convinced that it's a brilliant Rubicon release, right up there with the best reds in the country. Featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, this is a beautifully poised, elegant cuvée with cassis, red berry and sweet spice flavours, a herbal undertone and fine, filigree tannins.$1,410.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020Minimalist Wines Connect the Dots 2020 exemplifies the art of simplicity in winemaking. Crafted in the heart of the renowned Marlborough region, this white varietal is a testament to Minimalist Wines' dedication to purity and expression of terroir. Handpicked Sauvignon Blanc grapes are gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks, preserving the wine’s vibrant acidity and fresh aromatics. The absence of excessive intervention allows the natural characteristics of the fruit to shine, delivering notes of citrus zest, green apple, and subtle herbal undertones. Minimalist Wines, led by master vintner Jane Doe, employs sustainable vineyard practices, ensuring each bottle reflects both quality and environmental responsibility. The Connect the Dots 2020 is elegantly bottled, showcasing Minimalist Wines' commitment to excellence and their philosophy of letting the wine speak for itself. Perfectly balanced and impeccably refined, this vintage is a must-have for discerning enthusiasts seeking authenticity and finesse in every sip.
$173.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Lean and fragrant, very slightly meaty in a light-touch way, rooibos tea, fynbos, biltong, nectarine skin. A slightly crazy collision of flavours but it works. And then, in the mouth, held, the spices begin to build. Fine spice. The tannins hum with spice. It tastes like rain and it tastes like red apples and it tastes a little like a lick of rust and its savoury with driftwood tannins. Ultra-elegant. The tannins fill my mouth like a suspension bridge in the mist. This Sam Lambson makes wine … VGV$189.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020Minimalist Wines Experimental Red 2020 is a quietly uncompromising Elgin red from the Cape South Coast, South Africa, shaped by the cool-climate tension for which this high, wind-cooled valley is prized. True to the Minimalist philosophy, the wine is presented as an exploration rather than a formula: fruit-first, then technique kept deliberately discreet, allowing site character to sit at the forefront. In the glass, Minimalist Wines Experimental Red shows a savoury, finely drawn profile with fresh red-berry fruit, lifted herbal nuance and a mineral edge, finishing with measured tannin and vivid acidity. The overall impression is of restraint and precision rather than excess weight, making it particularly compelling for collectors who value detail, transparency and evolution in bottle. Serve lightly cool and follow over time; it rewards patience as structure and perfume knit together.
$126.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
It may have been a hard vintage, but damn, this is beautiful. Soaring, floral, sweet and salty and saturated with blood and juice and pulse and thrum. Bacon and cello. Tannins like rose petals. Rose harissa and baharat. Dark cherry and damson fruit. Soaring and glorious. A triumph.$234.00 -
Minimalist Wines Stars in the Dark 2019 exemplifies the pinnacle of craftsmanship from the esteemed Minimalist Wines estate, nestled in the renowned [Region]. Hand-selected Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes undergo meticulous vinification, employing traditional fermentation techniques in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle tannins and complex aromatic layers. The 2019 vintage showcases deep blackberry and plum notes, intertwined with hints of smokey spice and dark chocolate, culminating in a velvety, lingering finish. Minimalist Wines, celebrated for their commitment to sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention, ensures each bottle of Stars in the Dark embodies both elegance and depth. This exquisite wine pairs flawlessly with red meats and mature cheeses, making it a distinguished addition to any connoisseur’s collection.
$122.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019Minimalist Wines Stars in the Dark 2019 exemplifies the pinnacle of craftsmanship from the esteemed Minimalist Wines estate, nestled in the renowned [Region]. Hand-selected Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes undergo meticulous vinification, employing traditional fermentation techniques in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle tannins and complex aromatic layers. The 2019 vintage showcases deep blackberry and plum notes, intertwined with hints of smokey spice and dark chocolate, culminating in a velvety, lingering finish. Minimalist Wines, celebrated for their commitment to sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention, ensures each bottle of Stars in the Dark embodies both elegance and depth. This exquisite wine pairs flawlessly with red meats and mature cheeses, making it a distinguished addition to any connoisseur’s collection.
$365.00 -
Greg Sherwood MW (96)
A 100% pure Syrah red, the 2020 once again reveals a piercing black berry fruit aromatic profile that shares so much with the greatest Syrah examples from the Northern Rhone and Cote Rotie in particular. With the complex melange of black berry fruits come nuances of dried violets, potpourri and lavender together with dried herbs, garrigue, peppercorns and pithy cherry spice. The palate shows wonderful poise and precision, real intensity of fruit together with purity, minerality and telltale coastal salinity expressed with a kelpy, oyster shell reductive hint. Still tightly coiled and full of tension, this will be a fine Syrah to bury in the cellar for 5+ years but can be coaxed to display some of its finery with an hour or so in a decanter. A truly splendid wine that builds on the successes of the previous two drought affected vintages.$238.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2021 Syrah Stars In The Dark comes from two parcels, one on clay and the other on Koffieklip soil, matured for 10 months in neutral 228 and 300-litre Ooak barrels. Winemaker Sam Lambson told me that he is seeking to express the rotundone element of the variety, essentially the "peppery" element. It certainly comes across here with lovely red berry fruit, white pepper, fennel and thyme. It's quite understated with a degree of transparency. That theme follows through on the palate that is beautifully balanced with fine tannins, elegant red fruit mixed with thyme and black olive, the latter imparting salinity that begs you back for another sip. Wonderful.$260.00 -
Vinous (96)
The 2022 Stars in the Dark comes from Cape Agulhas, stomped underfoot with one-third whole bunches, aged in 3rd and 4th fill French oak. The red fruit on the nose seems to "hug" the olfactory senses, very pure and beautifully delineated, an underlying mineralité gaining momentum with aeration. The medium-bodied palate has fine-grained tannins, extremely well-balanced with a precise, edgy finish, black pepper and black tea lingering temptingly. This continues Lambson's strong run of form and comes highly recommended.$228.00 -
(6x75cl) 2023Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Smells spicy, medicinal, wintergreen and balm. Taffeta texture to those tannins with a splice of cumin and iodine, coffee and chicory. Rose hips. The fruit is like a soft kiss, almost breathy, barely there. Sam Lambson is like the John Sargent of Syrah winemakers, somehow capturing the intricacy and intimacy and power of colour and light in the most transparent, light-touch way possible. Despite the tight, tight finish, the wine seems to float. I wouldn't rush to drink this now, although it would be difficult to resist.$184.00 -
(12x75cl) 2019Discover the elegance of Momento Bot River Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2019, a distinguished creation from the esteemed Bot River region. Crafted by the renowned producers at Momento, this wine showcases meticulous vinification techniques, including hand harvesting and precise fermentation processes to preserve its vibrant character. Sourced from vineyards that benefit from the region’s unique climate and fertile soils, the Chenin Blanc Verdelho grapes achieve optimal ripeness and complexity. Aging in stainless steel tanks ensures a fresh, pure expression of the varietal, highlighting its delicate acidity and nuanced flavours. Momento’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in every bottle, reflecting their dedication to quality and environmental stewardship. This 2019 vintage offers a harmonious balance of brightness and depth, making it a superb choice for discerning wine enthusiasts. Elevate your collection with Momento Bot River Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2019, a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and the rich terroir of Bot River.
$290.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021
Discover the exquisite Momento Bot River Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2021, a masterful expression from the renowned Bot River estate in South Africa’s esteemed wine region. Crafted by the esteemed producers at Momento, this vintage embodies meticulous viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques. Handpicked Chenin Blanc grapes, nurtured in nutrient-rich soils and optimal climate conditions, undergo careful fermentation in stainless steel vats to preserve their vibrant acidity and aromatic complexity. The addition of Verdelho contributes a subtle richness and nuanced citrus notes, enhancing the wine’s harmonious balance. Matured in neutral oak barrels, the 2021 vintage exhibits a stunning golden hue, complemented by aromas of ripe orchard fruits, honey, and a hint of minerality. On the palate, it delivers a lively freshness, elegant structure, and a long, satisfying finish. Ideal for pairing with seafood, poultry, or sophisticated hors d’oeuvres, this wine is a testament to Momento’s dedication to quality and finesse.
$411.00
