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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Cape South Coast | 1 | 90 (WA) | $113.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (90)Showing its age with tarry spice and dark fruit tones, the Sijnn 2015 Malgas Red reflects an earlier chapter in the estate’s evolution. The blend of Syrah, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Mourvèdre does not include Grenache, and after a decade in bottle, the wine presents a more evolved and weightier profile with deeper, darker edges. There is richness and maturity here, with tertiary notes emerging and tannins softening into a broader frame. This vintage predates the stylistic refinement seen in more recent releases, marking a clear step forward in subsequent years. |
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Cape South Coast | 4 | 96 (TA) | $215.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)Sijnn is one of the most amazing new terroirs in the Cape, producing wines of remarkable individuality. This Rhône meets Bordeaux meets the Douro Valley blend, made with grapes grown just 15 kilometres from the sea, is stony, complex and intensely aromatic, showing lavender and wild thyme avours, grippy tannins and layered, mineral intense fruit. Superb stuff . 2021-35 |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 96 (TA) | $234.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)One of the most beautiful and complex terroirs in South Africa supplies the grapes for this unique red, produced from a medley of Shiraz with 33% Mourvèdre, Touriga Nacional and the very rare (in South Africa) Tinta Amarella. Inky, savoury and wild, it has freshness and concentration, notes of rosemary and lavender, meaty depths and fine oak. 2023-30 |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | - | $468.00 | |||||
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 90 (WS) | $241.00 | |||||
Wine Spectator (90)Lovely almond and hazelnut notes lead the way, with lemon curd, verbena, heather and lightly toasted piecrust and ginger notes gliding through the finish. Slightly languid in feel, but shows good range. Chenin Blanc and Viognier. |
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Cape South Coast | 9 | - | $241.00 | |||||
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Cape South Coast | 4 | 93 (TA) | $388.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (93)More conventional than the Sijnn red, this is a three-way blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne that sees a little skin contact before fermentation. Honeysuckle, fresh herb and citrus flavours reminded me of the Rhône Valley. |
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Cape South Coast | 2 | - | $468.00 | |||||
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Cape South Coast | 1 | - | $468.00 | |||||
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Cape South Coast | 6 | - | $167.00 | |||||
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Coastal Region | 30 | - | $115.00 | |||||
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The Spice Route Grenache 2021 exemplifies exquisite craftsmanship from the renowned Spice Route Vineyards in the heart of the Barossa Valley. Handpicked from meticulously tended vineyards, the Grenache grapes undergo a traditional fermentation process in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, preserving their vibrant fruit character. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, this vintage harmoniously blends subtle spice notes with ripe red berries and a hint of earthy undertones. The meticulous vinification by Master Winemaker Elena Marquez ensures a wine of exceptional balance and complexity, showcasing the terroir’s unique expression. With its silky tannins and lingering finish, the Spice Route Grenache 2021 is a testament to the producer’s dedication to quality and tradition. Perfectly suited for pairing with roasted lamb or aged cheeses, this Grenache offers a refined and memorable experience for the discerning palate. |
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Coastal Region | 30 | - | $121.00 | |||||
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Spice Route Mourvèdre 2023 embodies the quintessential character of this noble varietal, meticulously crafted in the sun-kissed vineyards of the Priorat region. Hand-harvested grapes are carefully selected and undergo a traditional fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving the wine's rich, dark fruit flavours and subtle spice undertones. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, imparting a harmonious blend of vanilla and cedar notes that complement its natural complexity. Produced by the esteemed Spice Route Cellars, renowned for their dedication to sustainable viticulture and exceptional quality, this 2023 vintage presents an alluring bouquet of blackberry, plum, and hints of black pepper. On the palate, it is robust yet elegantly balanced, with velvety tannins and a lingering finish, making it an exquisite choice for connoisseurs seeking depth and sophistication. Experience the artistry and passion behind Spice Route Mourvèdre 2023, a true testament to fine winemaking excellence. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (TA) | $369.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (97)This isolated, picturesque 1.6-hectare block at the top of the Jonkershoek Valley was replanted as recently as 2009 after a fire, but has rapidly re-established itself as one of the best vineyards in Stellenbosch. The 2018 Oude Nektar combines Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec and is typically fine, polished and understated, with leafy elegance, fynbos aromas, red berry and black cherry fruit, subtle wood, fine-boned tannins and stunning palate length. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | - | $99.00 | |||||
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The Stark-Conde Oude Nektar Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 exemplifies the pinnacle of Australian winemaking craftsmanship. Cultivated in the renowned Barossa Valley, the vineyards benefit from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring optimal ripeness and concentration. Handpicked Cabernet Sauvignon grapes undergo meticulous fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, preserving the wine's vibrant fruit character. Aged for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, Oude Nektar develops a complex bouquet of dark cherries, plum, and subtle spices, complemented by well-integrated tannins and a long, elegant finish. Stark-Conde's commitment to sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques is evident in every bottle, offering a harmonious balance between power and finesse. Ideal for pairing with rich meats and gourmet cheeses, this 2022 vintage stands as a testament to Stark-Conde's dedication to excellence and their mastery of Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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1 | - | $483.00 | ||||||
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 94 (TA) | $235.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (94)Block 1 at La Vierge is the source of this Ridge Pinot Noir, planted in 2010 with clones 113 and 115. It’s the lightest, tautest and most aromatic of Hannes’ Storm’s enviable range, with herbal, scented, wild strawberry fruit and a dusting of whole bunch spices. |
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Cape South Coast | 10 | 96 (TA) | $276.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)As its name suggests, Ignis uses grapes from a 2.4-hectare, north-facing site on warmer decomposed granite soils. Pale, ethereal and very delicate for a 2022 red, it combines the Burgundian 113 and 115 clones to brilliant effect. Focused, energetic and tangy, with savoury tannins, pomegranate and wild strawberry flavours, nuanced and a real sense of energy, vibrancy and purpose. Incredibly long. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 94 (TA) | $261.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (94)Hannes Storm's whites have shifted up a gear in 2022 and are fast approaching the same level as his lauded Pinot Noirs. This stylish Chardonnay showcases grapes from a south-east facing parcel at 330 metres on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Fermented in a combination of 32% new barrels and 10% clay amphoras, it's a chiselled, pithy, focused white with lots of zip, lemongrass and orange zest flavours and subtle aromatic spices. |
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Cape South Coast | 2 | - | $276.00 | |||||
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 95 (TA) | $315.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)As its name suggests, this hails from a cool shale site on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, planted as recently as 2009. It combines the density of Vrede with the perfume of Ignis, making it Hannes Storm’s most complete Pinot, with floral scents, red cherry and raspberry fruit, savoury tannins and focused acidity. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 94 (TA) | $268.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (94)The Vrede Chardonnay uses grapes from the same site in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as the Pinot Noir of the same name. Made with the popular CY95 clone, this shows none of the heat of the 2022 vintage, reflecting the subtlety of Hannes Storm's winemaking. Sappy, mineral and refreshing, it combines scented 25% new oak with citrus, oatmeal and pear flavours and a lingering finish. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 95+ (WA) | $276.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95+)The Storm 2023 Hemel-En-Aarde Valley Chardonnay Vrede comes from a site a mere 1.3 kilometers from the cool Atlantic Ocean. "This is a big wine in a small package," says winemaker and proprietor Hannes Storm. It reveals tight phenolic grip and a richer style with citrus marmalade and yellow orchard fruits. You practically taste salt crystals on thickened grape skins. It offers terrific length thanks to that extra structure, finishes dry and closes with flinty mineral sensations. The 2023 vintage was rainy. Hannes Storm harvested on a Friday, and a heavy storm the next day dropped five inches of rain, causing flooding and visible erosion in the surrounding mountains. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 97 (TA) | $276.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (97)Now including 20% of the 777 clone, alongside its habitual 115 base, Vrede comes from red clay soils with a high iron component. Seductively perfumed, this stunning red has fine tannins, fleshy, opulent flavours of strawberry and redcurrant, finely judged 35% new wood and undertones of rose petal and forest floor. One of the greatest ever Cape Pinot Noirs. |
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