Haute Cabrière & Pierre Jourdan - the finest of bubbles. From an early pioneer of Cap Classique, a range of fine Methode Cap Classiques..
A premium Chenin Blanc, the Perdeberg Endura is made from Swartland grapes from a single vineyard. Masterful Winemaker Albertus Louw has created a gem. Perfect food wine, goes with any white meat, fish or vegetarian main courses - loves chicken.
La Bri Syrah 2015, a perfect expression of a co-fermented Syrah and 5% whole bunch Viognier. Herb and spice aromas and plum and black berry flavours. Sympathetically oaked to allow the fruit to shines.
Exceptional wines from Stellenbosch, the Oldenburg Grenache Noir 2016 is one of them. Philip Costandius just builds this wine year on year into something really special. Justine Wall's Beef & Black Olives are a great match...
Classy, bright, sparky, the Durbanville Hills Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc is an any time wine. Great on its own and great with food. Not to be taken too seriously, so drink with abandon...
In Romeo and Juliet, she says, 'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet'. While the P word is not allowed, the Groot Constantia Cape Ruby 2016 weighs in better than many others. Made from the traditional Port variety of Touriga Naçional, it is as good with Blue Cheese as it is with Chocolate...
Simonsig Malan Family Selection Redhill Pinotage 2015, the Estate's Flagship Pinotage. Matured for 15 months in French and American White oak barrels it is a fabulous glass on its own and just so perfect as a food wine.
The crisp, sassy Delaire Graff Sauvignon Blanc 2017, an anytime wine. So perfect with food, do try Anina Meyer's Garlic & Coriander Kebabs...
The cleverly named Flagstone Word of Mouth Viognier 2017 is a wine you will want to tell you friends about. Pass it down the telephone line, tell your friends...
Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc Steen op Hout 2017 a superb expression of an oaked Chenin Blanc by Adam Mason of Mulderbosch Vineyards in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation...
De Grendel Viognier 2017, wonderfully aromatic wine made from grapes raised by Kudwai Mwerenga and elevated by Charles Hopkins.
Douglas Green Pinotage 2017, a fine youthful Pinotage made from bush vine grapes from the Wellington and Swartland Wine Appellations. Even handedly priced, good roar for your Rand.
The Glenelly Glass Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 is part of range of wines named for the Estate's well known Glass Collection. A fine Simonsberg Cabernet by Luke O'Cuinneagain.
Peter Falke PF Pinot Noir 2016 is a wine which reflects its soil and the climatic conditions of the Helderberg in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation.
Landskroon Paul de Villiers Shiraz 2015, a fine expression of Shiraz from Paul de Villiers, 5th generation Cellarmaster of this well known family owned Paarl Wine Estate
A delicious Dry Summery Rosé made from the noble Bordeaux grape Merlot. From cool climate grapes grown in the Durbanville Hills.
Pinot Noir is not an easy winemaking grape. Gerhard Swart, Winemkaer at Flagstone Winery, has made a gem of a wine - Flagstone Fiona Pinot Noir 2016
Asara Vineyard Collection Chardonnay Lightly Wooded 2015 is ideal with Tamsin Snyman's Pilchard-Stuffed Cabbage Roll Bake. A lightly wooded Stellenbosch Chardonnay...
Groot Constantia Shiraz 2015, Boela Gerber's great expression of what Groot Constantia can do with Shiraz. A fine noble wine, so good with food.
Top of the Hill Pinotage 2015 from South Africa's oldest Pinotage Vineyard, planted in 1950 by the father and uncle of the present owner Pieter de Waal. A truly fine food wine, good with many fully flavoured foods...
Landskroon's Paul Hugo White 2017 & Paul Hugo Red 2017, two wines for easy entertaining, food wines and sipping wines.
Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose, a sublime expression of Franschoek Pinot Noir by Takuan von Arnim. An any time Cap Classique, not only for celebrations.
Oldenburg Vineyards two new maiden vintage wines released, The Oldenburg ‘Le Quatre Enfants’ Cabernet Franc 2007 and The Oldenburg Joshua Syrah 2007, available from the Estate....
A bright crisp serious Delaire Graff Cabernet Franc Rosé 2017 by award winning winemaker Morné Vrey. An anytime wine...
Luke O’Cuinnegain's masterly approach to Chardonnay on Glenelly Estate in Stellenbosch. Put a visit to this showcase winery on your bucket list.
Boschendal Black Angus 2014 Boschendal Black Angus 2014 is a recent release from the Boschendal Heritage Collection. Boschendal Farm has a fine herd of pastured reared Black Angus Cattle, appropriate therefore that this fine blend should be named for them. With over 330 years since the granting of the land, this wine is one of
Sublime and delicately oaked, the Steenberg Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc 2017 is named for a Royal Navy Battleship which took part in The Battle of Muizenberg 1785...
The grapes from a tiny, cool, wine appellation in the Witzenberg in Ceres are used to make the De Grendel Op die Berg Chardonnay 2016, best served with Ina Paarman’s Lemon Chicken for a crowd.
Excellent expression of Durbanville Hills Chardonnay 2017. Delicately oaked, fabulous food wine by Kobus Gerber.
Simonsig Gewürztraminer 2017 In 1977, my wife Madeleine was working in the tasting room at Simonsig. I remember so clearly at the Young Wine Show that year, Frans Malan Simonsig Founder, introduced his first Gewürztraminer, The Simonsig Gewürztraminer 1977. To great acclaim. The Simonsig Gewürztraminer 2017, some 40 years later, is still a gem, 56%
Perdeberg Classic Collection Sparkling Rosé, a fun wine. Refreshing mid-morning at the swimming pool, good match with food.
Asara Vineyard Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2017 is a great expression of the grape and fingerprint of the vintage. Perfect as an Aperitif and with Summer Salads.
De Waal CT de Waal Pinotage 2015 The De Waal family of the historic Uiterwyk Farm in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation are irrevocably bound to Pinotage, South Africa’s own red wine grape, created in the late 1920’s for Abraham Perold. However, it was not until 1941 that there were sufficient grapes to make a barrel
Peter Falke PF Sauvignon Blanc 2017 The Wines of Peter Falke, which are grown and made on Groenvlei Farm up the Annandale Road on the lower slopes of the Helderberg, have the benefits of growing up in a fine climate with the benefit of cooling midsummer breezes off False Bay. These cause a slower ripening,
Landskroon Blanc de Noir Off Dry 2017 The de Villiers family of Landskroon, have been there for five generations, each Cellarmaster has been called Paul. When I asked the current Cellarmaster Paul who would be his ideal dinner guests, he wanted the previous Paul’s there so that they could tell him how they made wine!
Mulderbosch, home of 3 Single Vineyard Chenin Blancs Adam Mason, Winemaker at Mulderbosch Vineyards, makes a range of Chenin Blancs called The Single Vineyard Block. Grapes from three different vineyards are treated in exactly the same way in the vineyard and during elevation in the cellar. The three blocks are harvested in the same way
Groot Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 I well remember the queues of cars which parked outside the sales room at Groot Constantia in the mid 1970s lining up on Wednesdays and Saturdays to buy the scarce wines of the Estate. Groot Constantia and Cabernet Sauvignon fit together like hand in glove. Viticulturist Floricius Beukes, who has
La Bri Chardonnay 2016 La Bri Vineyards in Franschhoek is set amongst the most impressive mountains which go straight up into the sky in the south eastern corner of this most beautiful wine region. It is blessed with the most perfect little Cape Dutch style Manor house and a cutting-edge technology in its winery. Irene
De Wetshof Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2017, a fine expression of a Robertson Sauvignon Blanc.
Glen Carlou The Curator’s Collection Mourvèdre 2014, a serious expression of this Mediterranean grape by the Estate.
In the best of surroundings Oldenburg Syrah 2014 comes from the Banghoek Valley in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation.
Perfectly built for Summer and perfectly built for food, Flagstone Poetry Cinsault Rosé 2016 is a winner.
Simonsig, pioneers of Méthode Cap Classique, produce the third iteration of their Kaapse Vonkel, the Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Demi-Sec 2015
De Grendel Amandelboord Pinotage 2016, a truly classy expression of Pinotage, grown on the Estate. Such a privilege to drink this wine.
The Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection Pinot Noir MCC, an any time wine. Made from a noble variety with second fermentation in the bottle.....
Bellingham Small Barrel SMV 2014 is a masterful blend of Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Barrel aged for 14 months, it is a perfect wine for a well cooked meal.
Peter Falke Méthode Cap Classique 2014, a fine expression of Helderberg Chardonnay in this Champagne style any time wine.
A charming wine for easy Summer Drinking, the Landskroon Chardonnay 2017, is as good on its own and a perfect food partner.
The Flagstone Treaty Tree Reserve 2016, is a gently oaked blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Drink now though worthy of ageing.
During these lazy, hazy, what-day-is-it, days between Christmas and New Year when lunch time comes around all too quickly and all you are looking for is a glass of meaningful pink to refresh you and go with a delicious little cold lunch time snack, Peter Falke Blanc de Noir 2017 is just the answer.
Steenberg's MCCs, two any time wines, made in the classical way with a second fermentation in the bottle. So good with food...
My Advent Calendar #22 wine, is a delicious Unwooded Pinot Noir 2017, a brilliant expression of both the grape and the vintage. Perfect with Alida Ryder’s Grilled Trout Salad with Sriracha Lime Dressing
A fine expression of a Methode Cape Classique, the first in South Africa, Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel.
The Durbanville Hills Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, fun bubbles from two fine winemakers, Martin Moore and Wilhelm Coetzee from a cool climate valley overlooking Table Bay.
Perdeberg Vineyard Collection Chenin Blanc MCC 2012, a great expression of the grape and the style of wine. Made from dry land bush vine grapes.
Groot Constantia Merlot 2015, a fine expression of the grape by Boela Gerber. Such a perfect food wine and great by the glass on its own.
Oldenburg Vineyards Viognier 2016, a deliciously peachy expression of this Condrieu grape. Such a stunning food wine, great with chicken.
The award winning Asara The Vineyard Collection Chenin Blanc 2017, follows its predecessors as each vintage passes, with an improved wine year on year.
Advent Calendar #5 - Grangehurst Cape Rosé Blend 2015, Jeremy Walker's clever blend of reds and Chenin Blanc, perfect food wine for summer.
Douglas Green Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 has a great heritage stretching back to 1942 when Douglas Green founded his eponymous company. Good every day drinking at an even handed price.
My Advent Calendar #4 red wine is from Linton Park, a fresh young sappy Cabernet with an undertow of mocha from the high toasted oak barrels...
Perdeberg Rex Equus 2014, a premium Cape blend, using Perdeberg's best barrels. Perfect match to Carey Boucher Erasmus's roast pork.
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé 2015, a superb expression of a fine Methode Cap Classique, excellent with seafood and this delicious dessert...
A little slip in the cellar in 2012 brought about the birth of this Viognier Chardonnay blend, now a firm favourite from the La Bri Cellar.
A pair of Landskroon Chenin Blancs, one dry, the other off dry, from Paul de Villiers, 5th generation winemaker at the estate.
Sublime Mulderbosch Chardonnay 2017 from Adam Mason, using a variety of Stellenbosch Appellation sites. Perfect with Dianne Bibby's Cumin Lamb Kofta Phyllo Pastries...
Luke O'Cuiineagain's fabulous Glenelly Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2015, is made for food. All the classical Chardonnay whiffs and flavours which are a perfect match with roast pork...
From a real cool region in terms of weather and fashion, The Durbanville Hills Chenin Blanc 2017, made from grapes from Groot Phesantekraal.
Asara Vineyard Collection Pinotage Rosé 2017, a fresh crisp summery wine, good on its own and great with food.
Delaire Graff Redstone 2015, a Bordeaux style red blend made by Morné Vrey the Estate's Award Winning Winemaker. NIce midweek supper dish my Lizet Hartley..
Gerhard Swart's choice of the road less travelled with his Flagstone Two Roads Chardonnay 2016 makes for a stunning wine. So good with Jane Anne Hobbs's Coronation Chicken...
Steenberg Stately Red 2015 is part of The Fleet Range, named for three Royal Navy Battleships which took part in The Battle of Muizenberg in 1795.
Purpose grown Pinotage grapes from Agter Paarl and Wellington are made by Cellarmaster Charles Hopkins into the De Grendel Pinotage Rosé 2017
Boland Cellar Talent & Terroir Chenin Blanc 2017 is a clever blend of Chenin Blanc from Paardeberg and Drakenstein Vineyards. Chenin and Chicken are a great match...
Constantia Rood 2015, a superb blend of reds from the Groot Constantia Vineyards. Honoured by Dianne Bibby's Greek version of a well known Italian dish.
The noble red grape of Burgundy and Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, finds great expression on Groenvlei Farm, home to Peter Falke Wines. Lizet Hartley's 5 Spice Pork Ribs find a perfect partner....
Fine Stellenbosch Wine Estate in the Banghoek Valley, Oldenburg Vineyards produces a great 2014 Merlot. Perfect match with Ian Paarman's Pork Dish...
Chenin Blanc, 20% of the national vineyard, shines in this blend. Collaboration between growers and the cellar produce the finest of grapes to make a fine wine like this. Alida Ryder provides her Kick Ass Roast Chicken as the perfect partner...
Wellington is known for its fine wines, yet we dont seek them out often enough. This is a great Chardonnay Pinot Noir Blend with works well as a glass on its own, as well as some fine food...
Glenelly The Glass Collection Chardonnay 2017, an unoaked Glenelly white wine is a perfect match with Carey Boucher Erasmus’s Roast Pork Belly with Spiced Plums.
Steenberg Sphynx Chardonnay 2017 is a blend of Robertson & Bonnievale grapes, expertly made and matured in French oak barrels. Perfect Food Wine with Nina Timm's Chicken Breyani.
There is something quite beguiling about a Cinsaut when giving it a bit of beef by blending it with Shiraz. Chill it lightly before serving. It will partner Cheryl Bennett's Pasta dish perfectly.
South Africa's most planted wine grape, given some magic by Gerhard Swart, Flagstone's Winemaker. Great match with Ina Paarman's Old Fashioned Chicken Pie...
A fine Rosé, the Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2017. Purpose grown grapes, creating a lovely zesty bright fruited wine. Just add Dianne Bibby's Aubergine dish - perfect match.
Peter Falke Wines is situated on the slopes of the Helderberg in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation. The PF Blanc de Noir, is an ideal wine with my Snoek Paté.
Morné Vrey produces another stonker, the fabulous Delaire Graff Redstone 2015. Nadia Graves rustles up some duck cigars in her Dordogne Kitchen.
Takuan von Arnim adds a new baby to the range the Pierre Jourdan Piccolo Brut 375ml. A versatile wine, and so good with Nina Timm's Camembert, Honey, Walnut phyllo cigars.
Charles Hopkins's excellent De Grendel Merlot 2016, perfect with Anina Meyer's Chicken Tray Bake on a cool Spring evening.
Asara MCC Brut 2014 is a crisp, refreshing delicate bubbly. Excellent on its own and also as an aperitif. Perfect food wine....
A delicious Méthode Cap Classique Pinot Noir with winemaking without added sulphur. Perfect as a refresher and also so good with food.
A fine Sauvignon Blanc from Adam Mason of Mulderbosch with some delicious summer food from Carey Boucher Erasmus.
A sublime Sauvignon Blanc from a talented & innovative wine Team at Boland Cellar, the Talent and Terroir 2017. A great match to my Florida friend Cheryl Bennett's Vegan Crispy Tofu Asian Noodle Bowl.
Delaire Coastal Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2017 with Virgil Kahn's Asparagus & Broccoli. A fine Coastal Region Sauvignon to match Virgil's Asian food style.
Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blancs - gems from a cool [in terms of fashion & climate] Wine Ward, within sight of Table Mountain.
Reyneke Biodynamic Syrah 2015 - Johan Reyneke's biodynamically produced wine from the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation.
Oldenburg Chardonnay 2016, perfect match to a good chicken, like Ina Paarman's Pyramid Braaied Flattie - 09.10.2017
Perdeberg Soft Smooth Red 2015 & Zola Nene’s Boerewors Stok Brood with Tomato Smoor. Perfect combo, Paarl Wine and a bit of Heritage Food.
Groot Constantia Chardonnay 2016 & Anina Meyer’s Spicy Sweet Potato and Couscous Veggie Bowl. Perfect summer lunch combination.
Bellingham The Bernard Series Basket Press Syrah 2015, with Dianne Bibby's Butternut Tikka Masala Curry. Perfect match.
De Grendel Shiraz 2016, silky as a Persian rug, perfect with Jan Braai’s Democratic Lamb Salad on the last day of Heritage Month.
Landskroon Sauvignon Blanc 2017 with Tracy Foulkes’s Candied Walnut & Pear Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing. Lovely summery wine for a crisp flavoursome summery salad.
Glenelly Glass Collection Cabernet Franc 2015, perfect with Hein van Tonder’s Chipotle & Beer Short Ribs. Fine Stellenbosch Wine, great ribs.
Peter Falke PF Sauvignon Blanc 2017, a perfect position for the making of fine wines, the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains
Snow Mountain Syrah 2014, named for the Sneeuberg which overlooks Wellington. Made on Nabygelegen by James McKenzie.
Simonsig Reserve Collection Chenin Blanc Pinotage 2017 & Sophia Lindop's Smoked Stuffed Chicken, cooked in a Kettle Braai.
Groot Constantia Blanc de Noir 2017 with Zola Nene's Heritage Isitambu
Flagstone Writer’s Block Pinotage 2015 with Ishay Govender's Aunty Narie's Curry. Heritage Wine and Heritage Food in Heritage Month.
Asara Vineyard Collection Cape Fusion 2014 with Tony Jackman’s Bacon & Beer Braai Bread. A perfect accompaniment for a braai in heritage month.
Durbanville Hills Pinotage 2015, a great South African Grape Variety is a good partner to Sophia Lindop's Stuffed pork loin chops, a Braai Dish for Heritage Month.
Oldenburg Chenin Blanc 2015 & Sophia Lindop's Cape salmon portions wrapped in vine leaves. Wine from a premier Stellenbosch producer and food from a premier Cape Town Kitchen
Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2017. A great partner for Dianne Bibby's Roast Aubergines with Miso & Pomelo.
Steenberg Ruby Rosé 2017, named for HMS Ruby, a Royal Navy Battleship which took part in the Battle of Muizenberg 1795. Good with my Deconstructed Sushi.
Oldenburg Grenache Noir 2015 & Alida Ryder's Low Carb Chicken Satay Salad. The sauce is robust, the chicken can happily take on this dish.
Yardstick Pinot Noir 2014, great with Duck Ramen. Adam Mason showing his skills using grapes from four Wine Appellations.
Douglas Green Chardonnay 2016 goes to France and wins an award at the Chardonnay du Monde. Lovely food wine with Anina Meyer's BBQ Vegan Tacos.
Irene Waller makes the sublime La Bri Affinity 2014 and Carey Boucher Erasmus prepares a special supper dish to match it.
The majestic Flagstone Music Room Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 is a great accompaniment to Nadia Graves's Grilled & Roast Pork.
Sublime Peter Falke Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 is a perfect partner for a delicious midweek Cheese and Tomato Pasta Bake by Alida Ryder.
Does Chardonnay go with pork? Try the Delaire Graff Banghoek Reserve Chardonnay 2016 & Lizet Hartley’s 5 Spice Pork Spareribs.
Asara Vineyard Collection Merlot 2014, such a good match with Ina Paarman's Flattie in a Frying Pan.
Lovely Landskroon Cabernet Franc Merlot blend, perfect with Nina Timm's sublime Smoked New York Strip Sirloin. Perfect Sunday Lunch!
Landskroon Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, grown on the slopes of Paarl Mountain. Made by Award Winning Cellarmaster Paul de Villers. Perfect match with Ian Paarman's Chicken with Port and Figs.
Boland Cellar Five Climates Chenin Blanc 2017 & Alida Ryder's Coq au Riesling Pasta, a great combination. Excellent expression of Chenin Blanc.
The Perdeberg The Dryland Collection Conqueror Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, a modern expression of the Variety. Serve it with Dianne Bibby's Red Wine Ragu with Rigatoni.
Glenelly Estate - South African WIne Estate with French Flair. The Glass Collection Merlot 2015, a gem. Lovely midweek supper wine.
Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc, a cool climate Sauvignon from Constantia. Perfectly paired with Dianne Bibby's Taglietelle.
Durbanville Hills, cool climate Cabernet is a great match to Nina Timm's Stuffed Portobellos.
Groot Constantia Grand Constance, a wine of which legends have been made. Serve with Dianne Bibby's Milk Tart Pancake Mille Feuille.
Simonsig Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 If you want to know which as the first private estate in Stellenbosch to have bottled almost any single variety, Simonsig is one of the first you would investigate. Frans Malan, the founder was a real pioneer in the wine industry, first bottled his Cabernet Sauvignon in 1976. The 1977
Steenberg Echo Red Blend, named after HMS Echo is a treat. No need for fancy grub, Justine Wall's Bangers & Balsamic Onions are a great match.
De Wetshof Limestone Hill 2017, a fine expression of the Robertson soils, climate and winemaking. Unoaked and full of wonderful flavours.
Flagstone The Dark Horse Shiraz 2013, a fabulous expression of the grape. Delicious with Carey Boucher Erasmus's Vegetarian Roasted Aubergine dish.
Groot Constantia, a superb cool climate Shiraz made for food like Nadia Graves's Slow Cooked Mutton Curry.
Delaire Graff Chardonnay Banghoek Reserve 2016, good with Anina Meyer's Prawn & Coconut Curry.
Superb Cabernet Sauvignon led blend from DeWaal Wines, Tracy Foulkes's Melanzane Parmigiana a great match.
De Grendel Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Unlike its very hot and dry predecessor, the 2017 harvesting season experienced good high temperatures with no off the scale heat. Cool nights and a light rainfall in early December allowed for disease free grapes with excellent flavours and acidity. The yield was also up by 15% on the
Pioneering collaboration with their grape suppliers, superb blending in the cellars create this range from Boland Cellar. A great match with Alida Ryder's pork dish.
Asara Wine Estate & Hotel releases its Vineyard Collection Pinotage Rosé 2017, delicious with my Smoked Salmon Hearts.
Oldenburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 meets Meeta K Wolff's Ramen Bowl with Sesame Poppy Seed Venison.
Award winner in Top Shiraz 2017, sublime blend by Niël Groenewald. Perfect with Ina Paarman's Venison Pie.
Set in the foothills of the Helderberg, that home of fine wine, Peter Falke's wines must be part of your cellar. Justine Walls vegetarian dish is a great partner.
A perfect expression of dryland bush vine Shiraz. Lovely partner in Dianne Bibby's Chinese Mandarin Chicken Tray Bake.
Superb food friendly blend of four grape varieties with sufficient Pinotage to call it a Cape Blend.
Peter Falke PF Chardonnay 2016 The home of Peter Falke Wines is on Groenvlei Farm on the well-known Annandale Road in the foothills of the Helderberg Mountains in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation. The strip down the Helderberg is well known for its red wines. It sits in the path of cool afternoon breezes off False
Oldenburg Vineyards, situated at the top of the Banghoek Valley, produces a fine range of premium wines. This Syrah is a superb food wine.
Asara The Vineyard Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Asara Wine Estate and Hotel is situated on the rolling Polkadraai Hills west of Stellenbosch at in the heart of its Wine Appellation. These rolling hills provide many aspects and facings and soil types for the selection of wine grape varieties grown on the estate. The main supply
Fairview Shiraz 2014 When a wine you truly like does well for the umpteenth in a national competition. Two Fairview Wines are the most recent award winners in the 2017 Shiraz SA Wine Challenge. At the end of May, Fairview again proved its prowess in the cultivation and winemaking of this popular red wine grape
A fine Syrah by Luke O'Cuinneagain at Glenelly, a premium Stellenbosch Wine Estate. Diane Bibby's Oxtail is the perfect match...
Yonder Hill Y-Merlot 2016 Yonder Hill Vineyards is situated in the saddle of the Stellenbosch Somerset West Road as one drops down into Somerset West. In the path of the gentle cooling afternoon breezes which whisper up from False Bay in the afternoons to ameliorate the summer heat in the vineyards. Abé Beukes, Yonder Hill
Perdeberg The Dryland Collection Chenin Blanc 2015 Not for nothing is Perdeberg Cellar known as the Home of Chenin Blanc. The Winemaking Team under Albertus Louw has so much experience in dealing with the fine grapes the Vineyard Team bring to the cellar. Dylan Dowell Ellis Perdeberg's White Winemaker Perdeberg’s wine grape producers have dryland,
Groot Constantia Merlot 2014 Some years ago, vineyard owners were being told to pull up their Cinsaut and plant Merlot. Now as fashions change, the reverse is happening. Thank goodness for those who ‘kept the faith’, amongst them Groot Constantia. Merlot is going places as the Merlot Interest Group does its work to help producers
Asara Vineyard Collection Chenin Blanc 2016 I have watched this vintage grow over the last year. The 2015 vintage took a trophy at the Japan Wine Challenge last year for the Best New World Wine. This vintage is a step up on the 2015 and I can’t wait to taste the 2017 babies in the
Landskroon Pinotage 2014 Pinotage, the iconic South African grape, was created in the late 1920s. It was not until some 30 years later, that grapes from Bellevue Wine Estate were bottled as Pinotage under the Lanzerac label. Pinotage lay quiet until the 1970s when the pioneers of modern Pinotage starting producing wines from easy quaffers
Durbanville Hills Merlot 2015 There is more and more exciting chatter about Merlot. In the winelands, a Merlot Interest Group is putting together plans to improve Merlot by using better clones and planting the vines in the right soils, in the right microclimates and perhaps even treating it differently once it is in the cellar.
Boland Cellar Reserve No 1 Sur Lie Chardonnay 2015 Boland Cellars has a team of viticulturists who watch over their producer vineyards looking for blocks which produce wine grapes of premium quality. These blocks are singled out for careful elevation in the cellar producing a fine range of Reserve No 1 wines which are dedicated
Flagstone Free Run Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Exciting wines coming from Flagstone with Gerhard Swart in charge of the winemaking team. For me the Flagstone Wines are so food friendly, you can almost imagine different dishes while drinking them. The Flagstone Free Run Sauvignon Blanc 2016 is a unique Sauvignon Blanc made with grapes from the
De Grendel Rubaiyat 2014 The De Grendel Rubaiyat 2014 was the wish a couple of vintages ago, to create the perfect Bordeaux style red blend, a task which founding winemaker Charles Hopkins took to the challenge to like the proverbial duck to water. Charles Hopkins, Founding Cellarmaster of De Grendel The 80% component of Cabernet
Boschendal 1685 Shiraz 2014 The grapes for the Boschendal 1685 Shiraz 2014 come from prime vineyard sites in the Stellenbosch, Elgin and Swartland Wine Appellations, each component especially selected to bring a unique attribute to the final blending. Richard Duckitt in Boschendal's Red Wine Barrel Cellar Vineyard management techniques were practiced. Shoots were thinned in
Mulderbosch Faithful Hound White 2015 There are many stories about dogs waiting for their master to come home, long after the master has passed on. The Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2015 is a wine which has been named for such a dog. Semillon, lead grape in the blend A Bordeaux white wine blend of Semillon 62%
Signature Peter Falke Exclusive Blend 2014 I was out at Peter Falke Wines last week on the most perfect autumnal day, blue skies and brilliant sunshine. There were guests tasting wine and eating a late lunch on the patio out in front of the tasting room. It was a special time of day with the
Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 The Perdeberg Winery does wine the hard way. Most of their supplier vineyards are dry land farmed bush vines. This means smaller bunches and smaller berries. Smaller berries result in a higher ratio of skin to juice, adding colour, aroma and flavour. A couple of years ago,
Delaire Graff Shiraz 2015 Morné Vrey, the winemaker at Delaire Graff Estate at the top of the Helshoogte Pass in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation, not only has his own grapes to use in winemaking, but also those of contracted vineyards which are nursed by the Delaire viticulturist, Kallie Fernhout. Morné Vrey & assistant Bethwell Sombhuza
Fairview Darling Sauvignon Blanc 2016 I have stood in the vineyards in Darling which provides the grapes for this wine. It was a mid-season day, up on a hill with valleys going down to the Atlantic Ocean. The Benguela Current in the ocean is one which sweeps up from the Antarctic and creates cool breezes
The Glenelly Class Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Madame May Eliane de Lencquesaing, creator of the new Glenelly has a passion for glass as much as she has a passion for wine. The former owner of Chateau Pichon Lalande is Bordeaux Royalty and certainly highly regarded in Stellenbosch. As is her team of Winemaker Luke
Oldenburg Rhodium 2013 Rhodium, of which South Africa produces most of the world’s supply, is a very rare metal. It is used in the manufacture of premium jewellery and also as a catalyst for sustainable processes. Rondekop in Autumn Oldenburg is a rare estate. It is beautifully situated in the northern reaches of the Stellenbosch
Simonsig Chardonnay 2016 When you have grown up in the wine business, as I did, and time passes, I forget how long we have actually had Chardonnay vines planted in the winelands. Simonsig Wine Estate, under its founder, Frans Malan, was amongst the early planters of Chardonnay in the mid 1970s, releasing their first Chardonnay in
Spice Route Chakalaka 2014 Chakalaka is a Zulu word which we have taken to name a rich and spicy sauce. It is also the Spice Route Chakalaka’s name – a rich and spicy blend of 41% Syrah, 17% Carignan, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache Noir, 10% Petite Sirah [no relation to Shiraz] and 7% Tannat. Charl
La Bri Syrah 2014 La Bri Vineyards is beautifully positioned in the south west corner of the Franschhoek Valley. Blessed with an enchanting Manor House and cutting edge winery and well tended vineyards, Irene Waller the General Manager and Cellarmaster makes a superb range of award winning wines. Each wine is cleverly labelled with Cape
Steenberg Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Steenberg Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc 2016 is named for HMS Rattlesnake, one of the Royal Navy Warships involved in the famous Battle of Muizenberg in 1795 which lead to the first British occupation of the Cape Colony. Sauvignon Blanc ripening on the vine Appropriate that the Sauvignon Blanc grapes should be
Landskroon Paul de Villiers Reserve 2015 The de Villiers family moved to Landskroon in the middle of the 19th Century, and since that time, the head of the family has been named Paul. Today Paul de Villiers, the fifth generation on the Estate, winner of the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year, is the cellar
Delaire Graff Shiraz 2015 The Delaire Graff Estate is situated at the top of the Helshoogte Pass in Banghoek, Stellenbosch. Overlooking the beautiful Banghoek Valley with its soaring mountains, the Delaire Graff Restaurant has the most perfect views from its deck. Morné Vrey, the award-winning winemaker was recently invited to be a member of the
The Glenelly Estate Reserve 2011 This wine is Stellenbosch Royalty. Glenelly Wine Estate is owned by Mme May Eliane de Lencquesaing, former owner of Chateau Pichon Lalande one of the great Bordeaux Wine Houses. Madame May Eliane de Lencquesaing, Owner of Glenelly The immaculate vineyards provide the grapes for this ‘signature blend’ of Glenelly, The
DeWaal Top of the Hill Pinotage 2014 The DeWaal Top of the Hill Pinotage 2014, is part of DeWaal Wines that is steeped in the tradition of Pinotage in South Africa. The Estate has the oldest established Pinotage Vineyard in the winelands. The Top of the Hill Vineyard block was planted by Danie de Waal,
Spice Route Chenin Blanc 2015 There are wineries where each and every one of the wines, I would drink happily and enjoy to the full. For me, Spice Route is one of those. Spice Route Wine started when Charles Back bought an old tobacco farm near Malmesbury, which interestingly has the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vineyard
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Demi Sec 2015 Simonsig Wine Estate founder, Frans Malan was a passionate pioneer in the Cape wine world in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Early estate bottlings of Chenin Blanc and Pinotage point to greater things to come. In the early 1970s Frans started experimented with wines made in the Champagne style
Perdeberg Vineyard Collection Malbec 2015 Having been associated with Perdeberg Winery over the past few years, I have watched with great interest as premium ranges have appeared using selected grapes from their mostly bush vine vineyards. The vineyards are dry land farm meaning that they have no access to water. This in turn means smaller
Flagstone Tributary Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2016 Gerhard Swart, the Winemaker at Flagstone Wines, is producing some fine drops. Under the hand of Bruce Jack, they aim to produce wines which respect our 350-year-old winemaking heritage. They make wines which not only please the senses, but also stimulate fine thoughts. Gerhard Swart Winemaker at Flagstone
Durbanville Hills Merlot Dry Rosé 2016 Durbanville Hills is a collective of 9 vineyard owners in the cool vineyards in a little valley which runs up from the ocean bringing with it the chill breezes off the Benguela Current. The winery itself sits proud on a promontory looking over Table Mountain, Table Bay and Robben
Zevenwacht Chenin Blanc 2016 Chenin Blanc is so much in favour and there are some serious practitioners out there, making some exciting wines. The Zevenwacht Chenin Blanc 2016 is one of them. Zevenwacht Manor House Zevenwacht is situated in a southerly part of the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation just north of the shores of False Bay,
Steenberg Nebbiolo 2014 I have written about the Steenberg Nebbiolo before and recently had the opportunity to talk about it on a Radio Today, Gauteng, broadcast. It reminded me how this grape of Italian nobility is firmly rooted in the Steenberg terroir. And it is this terroir that makes the Steenberg Nebbiolo 2014. The soils, the
Boland Cellar Flutterby Merlot 2015 Merlot, mystical magical Merlot, the most planted red wine grape in Bordeaux, is named for Merle, French for blackbird or thrush. Used both as a single variety wine and blended with Cabernet Sauvignon in order to soften is high tannic nature. Merlot has its opponents and vociferous proponents in South
De Grendel Winifred 2016 The beauty of De Grendel Estate is not only in the perfect slopes, the excellently cared for vineyards, the architecturally pleasing buildings, the fine food served by Chef Ian Bergh in the De Grendel Restaurant, The Wine Club, but that it is such a short distance from the city centre and
Glen Carlou Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Glen Carlou, named for the three daughters of a previous owner, has produced exciting wines for over thirty years. And while they tend to fly below the radar, they continue to wine awards, and continue to attract visitors to their beautifully situated winery with its excellent restaurant and stunning views.
Fairview Stok by Paaltjie Grenache 2014 I have known Fairview for almost 40 years, from the earliest of days when Cyril Back bottled his own wines, held the first wine auction ever, and Beryl Back sold the wines from the tasting room and packed eggs in the room next door. Charles & Cyril Back, way
Groot Constantia Constantia Rood 2015 Groot Constantia’s Cellarmaster, Boela Gerber, has created a delicious blend with his Groot Constantia Constantia Rood 2015. Taking the best of Bordeaux and blended in Pinotage and Shiraz, a blend unique to the Estate. Boela Gerber Groot Constantia's Cellarmaster Grown on four different soil types, Glenrosa, Clovelly, Hutton and Cartref,
Mulderbosch Chardonnay 2015 There are Chardonnays and there are Chardonnays, and for me the most appealing are those which have a story. The Mulderbosch Chardonnay 2015 has a story. The Chardonnay grapes used for this wine are all from the Stellenbosch Appellation and are picked in a stretch of the finest grape wine areas from
Peter Falke Ruby Blend 2014 Groenvlei Farm, home of Peter Falke Wines, sits in an important part of the Stellenbosch wine appellation, on the foothills of Helderberg Mountains. It is surrounded by producers of some of the finest red wines produced in this little region. The hot summer vineyards are fanned in the afternoons by
Oldenburg Chardonnay 2015 Oldenburg Wine Estate sits high up in the Banghoek Valley underneath large benign and exceptionally beautiful ‘Alpine’ mountains. The vineyards have been completely replanted in modern times by owner Adrian Vanderspuy whose family have owned the Estate for a number of years. The vines used for the Oldenburg Chardonnay 2015 were planted
De Grendel Op die Berg Pinot Noir 2014 The Graaff family of De Grendel own a farm high up in the Witzenberg Mountains, in Ceres, which is a producer of high quality apples and pears. And Pinot Noir, the De Grendel Op die Berg Pinot Noir 2014. Planted in soft shale soils, and in a
Landskroon Paul de Villiers Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 For the five generations that the de Villiers family have owned Landskroon, there has always been a Paul de Villiers as the Cellarmaster. The current Paul is a winner of the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Award for his fabulous Port Style wines. Paul & Nelie de
Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc Sparkling Wine Something really pretty from Durbanville Hills, the Sauvignon Blanc Sparkling Wine. You need a bottle of this in a glass ice bucket midmorning under the pergola drinking it for the sheer fun of it. Martin Moore & Wilhelm Coetzee hosting a braai This is Martin Moore and Wilhelm Coetzee’s
Boland Cellar Flutterby Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Boland Cellar was founded in 1941 and uses the grapes of several producers, from a variety of microclimatic conditions. Anything they bottle is done with great care, careful elevation in the cellar and the fine art of blending before it finds its way to the supermarket and wine specialist
Simonsig Sunbird Sauvignon Blanc 2016 I so remember the time when there was no Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa, no Chardonnay too if the truth be known. And here we have the first bottling of the Simonsig Sauvignon Blanc nearly forty years ago. Frans Malan, late founder of Simonsig, was in every way a pioneer,
Klein Constantia KC Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Constantia is the cradle of the South African Wine Industry. It was here that in the late 1600s, that Simon van der Stel set up a commercial winery. It was from here that the early Constantia wines were exported to, and became the rage of Europe. Drunk by Kings,
DeWaal Merlot 2014 With its very close ties to Pinotage, one might be forgiven overlooking the other classy reds the DeWaal Vineyards produces. DeWaal wines was one of the early bottlers of a single variety Merlot. The first vintage was 1984 and from 1986, the wine was served to First Class passengers on our national
Durbanville Hills Chenin Blanc 2016 picture from wine.co.za When talking about Chenin Blanc, I need to declare a love interest. When talking about Durbanville Hills Chenin Blanc, there is an extra dollop of love put on top. I grew up on a wine farm where my father produced Chenin Blanc [or Steen as it was
Steenberg Nebbiolo 2014 Steenberg Estate in the Constantia Wine Appellation is one of the few producers of Nebbiolo, a well-known Italian wine grape. Well known British Wine Writer Jancis Robinson in her The Oxford Companion to Wine describes Nebbiolo for being responsible for ‘some of the finest and long lived wines in Italy’ and the
Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Adam Mason and the team at Mulderbosch Vineyards in the Polkadraai Hills in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation are fortunate to have a large home vineyard of Sauvignon Blanc grapes to which they can add grapes from contracted suppliers which are all as perfect as their own. Adam Mason, Mulderbosch Winemaker The
Glen Carlou Unwooded Chardonnay 2016 Glen Carlou Wine Estate produces three different Chardonnay styles, two of them are wooded and the third is the Glen Carlou Unwooded Chardonnay 2016. A pair of Nomblot Eggs Interesting about this wine is that it was fermented in what is known as a Nomblot Egg, a a porous clay
Peter Falke Pinot Noir 2015 Groenvlei Farm, in the Helderberg part of the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation, is the home of Peter Falke Wines. The Helderberg, known as a premium red wine area, has the advantage of cooling breezes blowing in from False Bay in the afternoons, ameliorating the heat in the vineyard. This allows for