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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The Naude Semillon Vv 2016 exemplifies the pinnacle of South African viticulture, meticulously crafted by the esteemed Naude Wines in the picturesque Stellenbosch region. Handpicked from select Vv vineyard parcels, the Semillon grapes undergo a gentle cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve their crisp acidity and vibrant fruit profile. This vintage is aged on stainless steel to maintain its fresh, zesty character, allowing nuanced notes of citrus and white peach to flourish. The 2016 climate bestowed ideal ripening conditions, resulting in a harmonious balance between acidity and subtle oak undertones derived from minimal barrel contact. On the palate, Naude Semillon Vv 2016 reveals a refined elegance with lingering mineral finishes and a graceful texture, making it a versatile companion to seafood and light poultry dishes. Celebrated in esteemed wine publications, this Semillon stands as a testament to Naude Wines' dedication to excellence and terroir expression.
$103.00 -
Christian Eedes (94)
Grapes from multiple blocks on the farm, each with a slightly different soil structure but essentially granite based. Limited whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 29% new. Exotic aromatics of red and black berries, orange, earth and a touch of reduction. Impressive depth of fruit, bright acidity and fine-grained, tight-knit tannins. Rich but balanced, this is Pinot at its most seductive. Alc: 14%.$234.00 -
Wine Advocate (87)
The 2011 Eisen & Viljoen has a better set of aromatics than the 2012: blackberry, sage and graphite scents, quite reserved but nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe black fruit mixed with blueberry and graphite. Like the 2012, there seems to be just a touch of bitterness on the finish, though not as procounced as the ensuing vintage, but detracting from what could have been a better wine. Re-tasting in South Africa with the owners, unfortunately I found the same thing. There were just 11 barrels produced.$461.00 -
Wine Advocate (86)
The 2012 Eisen & Viljoen has a well defined, quite focused bouquet with blackberry, smoke, cedar and undergrowth scents that have a Left Bank-like flair. The palate is medium-bodied with quite dense black fruit, and is nicely balanced, but I noticed a green note on the finish that knocks over what could have been a fine wine. That's a shame. I would be intrigued to taste another vintage.$461.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015The Normandie Eisen & Viljoen 2015 embodies the pinnacle of South African viticulture, meticulously crafted by the esteemed Eisen & Viljoen estate in the renowned Stellenbosch region. Handpicked from premier vineyards situated on granite-rich soils, the grapes for this vintage were harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure exceptional flavour concentration. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, the wine undergoes a precise maceration period, allowing for a harmonious extraction of tannins and colour. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, Normandie Eisen & Viljoen 2015 gains subtle complexity and a refined structure. This exquisite wine reveals an enticing bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, and hints of spice, complemented by a velvety palate with balanced acidity and a lingering finish. Recognised by acclaimed wine publications for its elegance and depth, Normandie Eisen & Viljoen 2015 is a testament to the producer’s dedication to quality and tradition, making it a distinguished addition to any fine wine collection.
$297.00 -
(6x75cl) 2014The Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2014 expresses finesse and complexity that transcends your classic Chardonnay. Hailing from Elgin, South Africa’s cool climate wine region, this lavish white is masterfully crafted by the Cluver Family, renowned pioneers in wine production.
Noteworthy for its explosive fruit, rounded by delicate oak and mineral touch, the Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2014 is made exclusively from estate-grown grapes. The meticulous hand-sorting and natural fermentation reveal a luscious palate of yellow apple, white peach and citrus zest, expertly balanced by its crisp acidity. The authenticity of this Chardonnay is further testified by the sustainable farming practices employed by the Cluver estate that are certified by IPW (Integrated Production of Wine), assuring a low environmental impact.
Intrinsically refined and powerfully expressive, the limited production Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2014 is an embodied testimony to the exquisite elegance of South African Chardonnays.
$339.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015Revered producer Paul Cluver brings us the exemplary Seven Flags Chardonnay 2015, a breathtaking expression of quality craftsmanship directly from South Africa's Elgin region. Made from carefully selected grapes, this wine achieves its exquisite balance through fermentation in 228-litre French oak barrels, followed by 11 months ageing on lees. Delicate notes of lemon, white peach, and vanilla graciously float above a complex foundation of minerality, affording a sheer elegance laced with aged sophistication. This steadfast testament to the Cluver family's commitment to excellence perfectly encapsulates their biodiverse and sustainably farmed vineyard. As the pioneers of cooler-climate viticulture in Elgin, Paul Cluver continues to impress with their unwavering dedication to refinement and distinction. The Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2015 truly is a lustrous gem in the crown of South African wines.
$361.00 -
(6x75cl) 2016Introducing the exquisite Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2016, a testament to South Africa’s premier viticulture. Grown in the renowned Stellenbosch region, this Chardonnay benefits from granite-rich soils and optimal climatic conditions that enhance its character. Paul Cluver, a distinguished producer with decades of expertise, meticulously handpicks each grape to ensure exceptional quality. The wine undergoes a careful fermentation process in stainless steel vats, preserving its vibrant fruit flavours, followed by ageing in French oak barrels for twelve months to impart subtle complexity and a refined texture. The Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2016 showcases the producer’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and innovative winemaking techniques, resulting in a balanced and elegant expression of Chardonnay. Perfect for discerning connoisseurs, this vintage exemplifies the finesse and craftsmanship synonymous with Paul Cluver’s esteemed portfolio.
$342.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (96)
The latest in an impressive run of outstanding Chardonnays from this top Elgin estate - no mean feat in a vintage where some producers struggled with fructose levels - this is bigger and bolder than the 2017 release. More Meursault than Puligny-Montrachet perhaps, with some cream and cashew notes on the palate underpinned by racy acidity$384.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023Discover the exquisite Paulus Wine Co., Bartas Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2023, a testament to Stellenbosch's renowned terroir. Crafted by the esteemed Paulus Wine Co., this Chenin Blanc is meticulously vinified using hand-harvested grapes from the prestigious Bartas vineyard. The grapes undergo a gentle pressing followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve their vibrant fruit character and crisp acidity. A subtle ageing on neutral oak allows for a harmonious integration of flavours without overshadowing the varietal's inherent freshness. The 2023 vintage reveals a brilliant golden hue, complemented by aromas of ripe pear, apple blossom, and a hint of minerality. On the palate, it offers a lively acidity balanced with a nuanced complexity, showcasing notes of citrus zest and white peach, culminating in a clean, lingering finish. Ideal for pairing with seafood or light poultry dishes, this Chenin Blanc exemplifies Paulus Wine Co.'s dedication to quality and elegance.
$413.00 -
Discover the exquisite Paulus Wine Co., Bartas Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2023, a testament to Stellenbosch's renowned terroir. Crafted by the esteemed Paulus Wine Co., this Chenin Blanc is meticulously vinified using hand-harvested grapes from the prestigious Bartas vineyard. The grapes undergo a gentle pressing followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve their vibrant fruit character and crisp acidity. A subtle ageing on neutral oak allows for a harmonious integration of flavours without overshadowing the varietal's inherent freshness. The 2023 vintage reveals a brilliant golden hue, complemented by aromas of ripe pear, apple blossom, and a hint of minerality. On the palate, it offers a lively acidity balanced with a nuanced complexity, showcasing notes of citrus zest and white peach, culminating in a clean, lingering finish. Ideal for pairing with seafood or light poultry dishes, this Chenin Blanc exemplifies Paulus Wine Co.'s dedication to quality and elegance.
$177.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023The Paulus Wine Co., Bosberaad Chenin Blanc, Voor-Paarderberg 2023 is a quintessential expression of South Africa’s esteemed Swartland region. Crafted meticulously from hand-picked Chenin Blanc grapes, this wine undergoes a careful fermentation process in stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant acidity and fresh fruit character. Paulus Wine Co., renowned for their commitment to sustainable viticulture, employs minimal intervention techniques, allowing the purest expression of the terroir to shine through. On the nose, it reveals enticing aromas of ripe pear, white peach, and subtle floral notes, complemented by a crisp and balanced palate with a lingering minerality. The Voor-Paarderberg terroir imparts a unique complexity, making this 2023 vintage a remarkable addition to any fine wine collection. Perfectly suited to pair with seafood, poultry, or creamy cheeses, this Bosberaad Chenin Blanc exemplifies refined elegance and expert craftsmanship.
$385.00 -
The Paulus Wine Co., Bosberaad Chenin Blanc, Voor-Paarderberg 2023 is a quintessential expression of South Africa’s esteemed Swartland region. Crafted meticulously from hand-picked Chenin Blanc grapes, this wine undergoes a careful fermentation process in stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant acidity and fresh fruit character. Paulus Wine Co., renowned for their commitment to sustainable viticulture, employs minimal intervention techniques, allowing the purest expression of the terroir to shine through. On the nose, it reveals enticing aromas of ripe pear, white peach, and subtle floral notes, complemented by a crisp and balanced palate with a lingering minerality. The Voor-Paarderberg terroir imparts a unique complexity, making this 2023 vintage a remarkable addition to any fine wine collection. Perfectly suited to pair with seafood, poultry, or creamy cheeses, this Bosberaad Chenin Blanc exemplifies refined elegance and expert craftsmanship.
$165.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (98)
Has any brand in South Africa achieved quite so much as Porseleinberg in less than a decade? This is the best vintage yet from this steep, brutal, extreme schist-rich site and that's saying a good deal. Big, bold and intense, with incredible, almost feral intensity, incense, tar and black pepper aromas and layers of inky dark fruit. A stunning wine from a stunning site, made by a gem of a winemaker.$715.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (100)
In the right hands, great sites produce great wines. Since its inception in 2010, Porseleinberg has been one of the Cape's most exciting reds, but nothing quite prepared me for the transcendent brilliance of this wine. In uenced by some time spent at Domaine Jamet in Côte Rôtie - particularly their use of a submerged cap during fermentation - Callie Louw has made a stunning Syrah, proving his skills as both a farmer and a winemaker. In 2018, the style has shifted, away from power and grip to something more scented and re ned. Focused, nuanced and very delicately oaked, with raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, clove and white pepper spice and textured tannins. Simply world class. 2023-35$802.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (100)
In the right hands, great sites produce great wines. Since its inception in 2010, Porseleinberg has been one of the Cape's most exciting reds, but nothing quite prepared me for the transcendent brilliance of this wine. In uenced by some time spent at Domaine Jamet in Côte Rôtie - particularly their use of a submerged cap during fermentation - Callie Louw has made a stunning Syrah, proving his skills as both a farmer and a winemaker. In 2018, the style has shifted, away from power and grip to something more scented and re ned. Focused, nuanced and very delicately oaked, with raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, clove and white pepper spice and textured tannins. Simply world class. 2023-35$133.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (99)
This remarkable site has established itself as one of the world's great Syrah vineyards in less than a decade. Sourced from four blocks totally 4.5 hectares, Callie Louw's stunning red is just short of perfection this year, but is still brilliant, confirming the evolution in style of the Jamet-inspired 2018. Leafy, spicy, rose petal aromas are supported by pure red berry fruit, detailed tannins and the faintest hint of oak.$802.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (99)
This remarkable site has established itself as one of the world's great Syrah vineyards in less than a decade. Sourced from four blocks totally 4.5 hectares, Callie Louw's stunning red is just short of perfection this year, but is still brilliant, confirming the evolution in style of the Jamet-inspired 2018. Leafy, spicy, rose petal aromas are supported by pure red berry fruit, detailed tannins and the faintest hint of oak.$123.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (98)
"We pick the vintage," says Callie Louw, whose 2020 Porseleinberg is the second lightest in alcohol he's ever made at 13.6%. Fermented with 100% whole bunches using the submerged cap technique that transformed the wine in 2018, this is another scented, seamless stunner from Callie Louw. Aged in large foudres and 5% concrete eggs, it's a spicy, sappy, hauntingly elegant Syrah from a brutal site, with kelp, rose petal and fynbos aromas, juicy bramble and red berry fruit, fine tannins and a wonderful sense of energy. 2024-32$601.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (99)
Given its consistently outstanding quality, it’s easy to forget that the average age of Porseleinberg's 14 hectares of vineyards is only seven years' old. Showing what Callie Louw calls a "little more crunch" in 2021, this is a Syrah with time on its side. Wild herb aromas of sage, oregano and rosemary introduce you to a palate that's dense yet refined, with lots of whole bunch spice and structure, negligible oak influence, detailed, layered tannins, some underlying grip and layers of dark berry fruit. One of the world's great reds from a very special site. 2025-32$700.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (99)
Produced in the teeth of what Callie Louw calls a "crazy year", with lots of winter rain and one of the hottest Januaries ever, this is the latest in a series of world-class Syrahs from the brilliant Callie Louw. Fermented and aged in foudres and 15% concrete, using the submerged cap technique that has transformed the style here, this has 95% whole bunches, fynbos and Mediterranean herb aromas, sculpted, detailed tannins and layers of plum, blackberry and raspberry and impressive freshness for a wine with a pH of 4.1. A refined wine from a brutal site.$751.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (99)
Produced in the teeth of what Callie Louw calls a "crazy year", with lots of winter rain and one of the hottest Januaries ever, this is the latest in a series of world-class Syrahs from the brilliant Callie Louw. Fermented and aged in foudres and 15% concrete, using the submerged cap technique that has transformed the style here, this has 95% whole bunches, fynbos and Mediterranean herb aromas, sculpted, detailed tannins and layers of plum, blackberry and raspberry and impressive freshness for a wine with a pH of 4.1. A refined wine from a brutal site.$118.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2019 Cabernet Franc Dolomite has an energetic, tensile nose of wonderfully defined red and black fruit, sage, bell pepper and clove aromas; hints of dried blood emerge with time. The palate is very well balanced, taut and fresh, with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a harmonious, sophisticated finish, and suggestions of black pepper on the aftertaste. This is a brilliant Cabernet Franc from Raats that will age gloriously.$137.00 -
Greg Sherwood MW (98)
The Eden 2022 is another ultra confident showstopper from Bruwer Raats’ tiny 0.2-hectare vineyard. This pristine Eden Cabernet Franc displays the most tantalising intensity and florality on the nose with a notable depth, seductive power and a piercing perfume focus. High toned, lifted and utterly beguiling, the aromatics display an exotic fanned peacock’s tail of pressed violets, cherry blossom and dried lavender over notes of oregano, dried thyme, sweet cherry compote, saline crème de cassis, oystershell, pencil shavings and delicate blueberry rock candy nuances. The palate is always underpinned by incredibly fine tannins but with this 2022, the vivacity, concentration and freshness of the accompanying acids bring immeasurable joy to the palate, seamlessly counterbalancing the complex red and black berry fruit intensity. This wine is all about purity, precision, and persistence, with a mouthfeel texture of silk and the most polished fine-grained granitic mineral tannins imaginable. This is surely as close as you are going to get to perfection with a young, energetic, premium Cabernet Franc in South Africa? Drink on release an over the next 10 to 15+ years. (598 bottles produced.)$795.00 -
$110.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2022 Chenin Blanc Eden High Density Single Vineyard comes from the tiny plot around Bruwer Raats's home, vines from the Montpellier clone planted on their own stakes (echelas) at 8,000 per hectare. Whole bunch pressed and aged for 11 months in French oak (30% new), this pure and refined bouquet brings scents of yellow plum, beeswax, dried honey and lanolin. The palate is smooth and sensual right from the start, not plush, but there is a rondeur to this Chenin Blanc, lightly spiced with a little more viscosity on the finish compared to Raats's other Chenins this vintage. Very sustained on the finish, this will be utterly seductive. Just 2,300 bottles were produced, alas.$468.00 -
(1x75cl) 2013Wine Advocate (94)
A blend of 41% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, 14% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot, the 2013 De Compostella spent 24 months in barrel, 15%-20% new oak in the first year and then transferred into used barrel. It has a voluminous and very pure bouquet, ebullient red cherry and wild strawberry fruit, with just a touch of cassis. The palate is medium-bodied with sensual tannin, as usual, and with perfectly judged acidity; this is a more sedate and relaxed De Compostella that is not too worried about being wine of the year. Rather, it is happy and harmonious in its own skin; it is happy to just give pleasure and complexity without excessive effort. It's one of the most elegant releases since their debut in 2004.$153.00 -
Vinous (97)
The 2018 MR de Compostella is a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It presents a compelling bouquet of blackberry, charcoal, cedar and tobacco, all showing wonderful delineation and focus. But it is not the most flamboyant on the nose compared to other vintages; this takes its time to open at a stately pace. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, perfectly judged acidity, a silky-smooth texture and an utterly harmonious, complex finish. Residues of allspice and clove linger on the long aftertaste. Brilliant.$381.00 -
Greg Sherwood MW (98)
Never made with exactly the same blend in any two vintages, the 2020 is a classic Cape Bordeaux assemblage of 30% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 16% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot with a total production of only 1,000 x 6. The wine displays a real intensity in the glass with a ruby red rim and a red / black plum heart. The aromatics are vibrant and fabulously perfumed, bursting from the glass with expressive notes of red and black berry fruits, black currant, raspberry, red and black cherry, before notes of earthy blueberry emerge with suggestions of pressed violets, lavender, sweet sandalwood, star anise and graphite spice. On the palate, the vintage’s regal elegance emerges with exhilarating acids framing the plush opulent red and back berry fruits, saline cassis, tart red cherry and a blueberry confectionary generosity. Tasting the wine with Bruwer Raats, inevitable comparisons were made to the iconic 2017 MR, with both wines sharing a beautifully bright acid freshness and a weightless concentration of pure berry fruits with only the slightest suggestion of vanilla oak spice. This really is a wine with a mixed palette of colours, flavours and fruits and the most seamlessly elegant, finessed velvety tannins. Following on from the 2018 blockbuster, with no 2019 MR produced, this 2020 is a bold, enchanting, characterful wine full of precision that trumpets the return of this incredible benchmark Cape classic. A breathtaking wine on so many levels. Drink from 2024 to 2045+.$105.00 -
Greg Sherwood MW (98)
Never made with exactly the same blend in any two vintages, the 2020 is a classic Cape Bordeaux assemblage of 30% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 16% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot with a total production of only 1,000 x 6. The wine displays a real intensity in the glass with a ruby red rim and a red / black plum heart. The aromatics are vibrant and fabulously perfumed, bursting from the glass with expressive notes of red and black berry fruits, black currant, raspberry, red and black cherry, before notes of earthy blueberry emerge with suggestions of pressed violets, lavender, sweet sandalwood, star anise and graphite spice. On the palate, the vintage’s regal elegance emerges with exhilarating acids framing the plush opulent red and back berry fruits, saline cassis, tart red cherry and a blueberry confectionary generosity. Tasting the wine with Bruwer Raats, inevitable comparisons were made to the iconic 2017 MR, with both wines sharing a beautifully bright acid freshness and a weightless concentration of pure berry fruits with only the slightest suggestion of vanilla oak spice. This really is a wine with a mixed palette of colours, flavours and fruits and the most seamlessly elegant, finessed velvety tannins. Following on from the 2018 blockbuster, with no 2019 MR produced, this 2020 is a bold, enchanting, characterful wine full of precision that trumpets the return of this incredible benchmark Cape classic. A breathtaking wine on so many levels. Drink from 2024 to 2045+.$381.00
