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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Tim Atkin MW (96)
This brilliant, barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc comes from the top part of the Willow Spring parcel and is the latest in a line of brilliant releases under this label. Saline, pithy and flinty with hints of nettle and elderflower, fine oak and a finish that goes on for ever. Drink 2019-2027.Inc. TAX€269.58 -
Tim Atkin MW (96)
A welcome relief from the blandness of many commercial Sauvignon Blancs, this is an ambitious, dynamically farmed white from the brilliant team at Reyneke. Sappy, reductive and nettley, with a flinty note that's reminiscent of a great Pouilly-Fumé and a long, saline finish. 2020-24Inc. TAX€246.78 -
Tim Atkin MW (96)
Any list of the world's greatest Sauvignon Blancs would be incomplete without this wine. Wood smoke and blackcurrant leaf aromas are a prelude to a palate of remarkable complexity and salinity, with savoury oak, fresh herb and pink grapefruit flavours and a finish that lingers on the palate for a minuteInc. TAX€318.78 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
A wine that takes its inspiration from Pouilly-Fumé, according to Rudiger Gretschel, this varietal Sauvignon Blanc is remarkably chiselled and pithy, with gooseberry and elderflower flavours, subtle wood, granitic minerality and leesy texture and complexity.Inc. TAX€232.38 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
A pair of warmer, south-facing, biodynamically farmed parcels are the source of this brilliant Sauvignon Blanc. Fermented in deftly handled 85% new wood, it's something of a thiol-driven style, showing quince and passion fruit flavours and top notes of wild flowers. Complex, nuanced, layered stuff. 2023-29Inc. TAX€212.02 -
Vinous (95)
The 2019 Syrah Biodynamic is drop-dead gorgeous on the nose, offering blackberry, blueberry, crushed violet and light star anise aromas that blossom with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with velvety tannins and great depth and intensity, equaled by a finesse that leaves you wanting more on the finish. A sublime Syrah from Johan Reyneke.Inc. TAX€177.18 -
Inc. TAX€202.32
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Inc. TAX€1,097.58
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Decanter (98)
Complex nose already: beautifully exuberant nose of damsons and flowers – the Carignan really coming through at this early stage. A herbal, stemmy element is also quite noticeable but well balanced. Full-bodied on the palate but only just, with a lovely sense of fluidity, slightly granular tannins and fine acidity – everything is in its place, and is delicious now, but will improve and build further complexity. If possible, wait until 2026 to broach. Long, so expressive and unique. Various soils: granite, slate, clay, gravel. Three weeks' fermentation and three weeks maceration in 3,300L open-top concrete fermenters. Aged for 12 months on the lees in small barrels (5% new), then a further 12 months on fine lees in large wooden foudres. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.Inc. TAX€966.78 -
Wine Advocate (98)
From the first sniff, the 2020 Columella is an instant champion that is pointing and swinging for the fence. With its fresh frame of fruit and expertly layered oaky essences, the wine is incredibly complex as it bursts from the glass with precision and finesse. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, the Columella somersaults into a phantasmagoria of bright crunchy red fruit flavors and seductive floral essences that makes my head spin. Collectors will take note and add a couple of bottles of this to their cellar. It’s an absolutely stellar bottling that will age gracefully for decades.Inc. TAX€936.47 -
Inc. TAX€1,001.80
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Vinous (96)
The 2021 Palladius, the wine that has gone through the biggest transition at the domaine, is matured in concrete eggs and clay amphora for 12 months and 12 months in foudres. It has an exquisite bouquet with touches of yellow flower, melted wax, lanolin and light slate aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity, taut and fresh, very linear and gaining weight towards the finish that lingers in the mouth. Touches of white pepper and Provençal herb stay long in the mouth. Class shines through here.Inc. TAX€941.06 -
Vinous (96)
The 2021 Treinspoor is Sadie's Tinta Barocca that the man himself likens to Nebbiolo, also opining that it is a wine that needs considerable ageing. These vines were planted in 1974, and the blend includes 40% whole clusters. It has a complex, succinctly defined bouquet with melted tar and graphite infused dark berry fruit, a hint of Lapsang Souchong. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, perfectly-tuned acidity, almost Burgundian in texture yet with more pepperiness towards the finish. So elegant and harmonious - this is stunning from every angle you look at it.Inc. TAX€642.47 -
Inc. TAX€753.83
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Tim Atkin MW (95)
The last two hectares of dry-farmed Syrah on the Helderberg, planted by Bernhard Bredell's grandfather in 1995, were pulled out in 2017, so this Swanesang comes from a new source on the mountain. Rich, dense and Cornas-like, it's another remarkable Syrah from this talented young winemaker, with pepper spice and grip from 30% whole bunches and meaty, stony complexity.Inc. TAX€230.05 -
Inc. TAX€696.52
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Tim Atkin MW (97)
Very few recent South African releases have been as eagerly awaited as this 2018 red from the old Cordoba property on the flank of the Helderberg. And it doesn't disappoint in the slightest. Cabernet Franc-centred, with 24% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, the new crescendo is a beautifully refined, detailed red from 21-year-old vines. Violet and cut grass aromas lead into a palate that is fresh, bright and comparatively low in alcohol with filigree tannins, subtle wood, fine tension and the focus and balance to age. What a début!Inc. TAX€231.18 -
Tim Atkin MW (98)
Could Schalk-Willem Joubert do it again in 2019 after such an impressive maiden release? You bet he could and he has even improved on that predecessor. This is more precise and nuanced, presenting a seamless assemblage of Cabernet Franc with 26% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon from the windy western corner of the Helderberg. Complex, layered and restrained, with perfumed 35% new wood, graphite, red berry, blackcurrant leaf and tarragon flavours and fresh, sea breeze-kissed finish.Inc. TAX€210.82 -
Immerse in the unrivalled pleasure of sipping on the outstanding Taaibosch Crescendo 2020. Beautifully crafted by Taaibosch Wines at the esteemed Simonsberg-Paarl stretch of South Africa, this gorgeous blend stands out with its superior elegance and complexity. As an organic wine producer committed to sustainable viticulture practices, Taaibosch Wines guarantees an all-natural production process from hand-harvesting to fermentation. Taaibosch Crescendo 2020 is a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, emblematic of the region's profound expertise in creating blended masterpiece wines. The exquisite aromas of black and red berries layered with hints of chocolate and vanilla are followed by the balanced palate offering a long, velvety finish. Rated highly by many trusted wine publications, this truly is a subtly powerful expression of terroir in a bottle. Perfect for special occasions and deserving of the highest esteem, enjoy the sophisticated flavours of the Taaibosch Crescendo 2020.
Inc. TAX€368.92 -
Vinous (92)
The 2017 Cat’s Cradle is John Seccombe’s new Chenin Blanc from a vineyard shared with Chris Alheit and Memento. It has quite a rich bouquet of honey, light yellow plum and a slight petrolly tincture. The palate is well balanced with a lovely waxy texture countered by a fine bead of acidity and a pithy finish that is beautifully defined. Excellent.Inc. TAX€171.25 -
Vinous (90)
The 2018 Cat’s Cradle is pure Chenin Blanc that offers beeswax, yellow plum, a touch of butter and a slight adhesive scent on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with crisp acidity, a slightly waxy texture, and a light marine influence and a touch of salinity toward the finish. Fine.Inc. TAX€171.25 -
Vinous (93)
The 2021 Cat's Cradle comes from a vineyard between parcels owned by Eben Sadie and Chris Alheit - old vine Chenin planted in 1979 on granite soils. It has an open, melted wax and broom scented nose, lemon curd and light custard-like aromas. The palate is very well balanced with a superb line of acidity, fresh and tensile with a tang of sour lemon on the finish. So much character here. Excellent.Inc. TAX€271.72 -
Vinous (90)
The 2017 Man In The Moon comes from a block of Clairette Blanche that is shared with Craven, the vines 30 years old, and matured in used oak. It has a refulgent straw color with fat tears. The generous bouquet features yellow plum, nectarine, candle wax and light vervain tea aromas. The palate is quite phenolic on the entry, well balanced with a waxy texture and resinous in style; ginger and light pepper notes emerge toward the finish. More tactile than overt in fruit, this is a left-field wine from John Seccombe, one I feel is well made and fascinating.Inc. TAX€155.35 -
Greg Sherwood MW (95+)
This really is a sensational expression from Andre and the team at Vergelegen. A blend of 20% Sauvignon and 80% Semillon, this wine screams premium white Bordeaux from the minute you smell the alluring aromatics. All the classical white Bordeaux hallmark notes are there including a crunchy white citrus, grapefruit zest, pineapple pastille fruits, lime peel, dried coconut and reductive hints of black currant and vinyl. The palate is broad and powerful with a leading edge of sweet and sour grapefruit acidity, tangerine juice, green mango flesh and white citrus fruit intensity. Slightly pithy with hints of dried grass, this wine is a never ending profusion of fruit concentration, minerality and dried herb complexity all knitted together in a very tight, intense, classical package. This wine would go down an absolute treat blind with the Bordelaise producers in the Graves or Pessac-Leognan. With pyrazines well and truly conquered in this wine, this expression is lined up for a long and successful ageing period. Drink from release and for another 12 to 15+ years.Inc. TAX€303.18 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
Reviewed alongside the 2018 release as they are both on the market, this is Semillon dominated with 40% Sauvignon Blanc. Barrel-aged in one-third new oak, it has flinty, struck match aromas, stylish wood spice, notes of lanolin and grapefruit and a pithy, refreshing finish.Inc. TAX€274.38 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
Every bit as good as the 2017, even though the vintage is less celebrated, this is an equal marriage of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc with an even lower pH. Grapefruit and elderflower flavours combine appealingly with the stylish vanilla oak, embellished by a herbal undertone.Inc. TAX€193.98 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
Proof the remarkable ageing potential of Vergelegen's flagship white wine - and it's only just settling into its stride - this is a gloriously complex blend of Sauvignon Blanc and 36% Semillon, with appealing freshness and zip, good focus, a salty undertone and flavours of grapefruit, gooseberry and fresh toast.Inc. TAX€178.38 -
Jancis Robinson (18)
Tasted blind. Blackcurrant pastilles on the really interesting, sophisticated nose. Some savoury inkiness and lots of pleasure. Firm and confident and set for the long term. Lots there with tannin evident only on the end for future development. Long. This is the first wine that reminds me of ambitious bordeaux … luscious – a sort of right-bank style.Inc. TAX€192.94 -
Vinous (92)
(90% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot and 3% cabernet franc) Bright red-ruby. Aromas of currant, graphite, coffee, dark chocolate and clove; lots of sexy new oak showing. Lush and silky on entry, but has enough acidity to frame and enliven its deep flavors of currant and graphite. This bottling represents a distinctly and intentionally modern style for Vergelegen, but also boasts very good structure and verve. Finishes long and brooding, with palate-saturating flavors and broad, noble tannins.Inc. TAX€1,006.19 -
Wine Advocate (93)
Showing much better is the 2006 “V” that demonstrates a little more opulence and fruit intensity on the nose with ripe blackberry, raspberry, sloe and cedar with good definition. The palate has firm chalky tannins and a good sense of tension, a citrus-like acidity towards the long poised finish. This has great potential, but again it deserves time in the cellar. Drink 2014-2022.Inc. TAX€827.65
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Tim Atkin MW (96)
This brilliant, barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc comes from the top part of the Willow Spring parcel and is the latest in a line of brilliant releases under this label. Saline, pithy and flinty with hints of nettle and elderflower, fine oak and a finish that goes on for ever. Drink 2019-2027.In Bond€206.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (96)
A welcome relief from the blandness of many commercial Sauvignon Blancs, this is an ambitious, dynamically farmed white from the brilliant team at Reyneke. Sappy, reductive and nettley, with a flinty note that's reminiscent of a great Pouilly-Fumé and a long, saline finish. 2020-24In Bond€187.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (96)
Any list of the world's greatest Sauvignon Blancs would be incomplete without this wine. Wood smoke and blackcurrant leaf aromas are a prelude to a palate of remarkable complexity and salinity, with savoury oak, fresh herb and pink grapefruit flavours and a finish that lingers on the palate for a minuteIn Bond€247.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
A wine that takes its inspiration from Pouilly-Fumé, according to Rudiger Gretschel, this varietal Sauvignon Blanc is remarkably chiselled and pithy, with gooseberry and elderflower flavours, subtle wood, granitic minerality and leesy texture and complexity.In Bond€175.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
A pair of warmer, south-facing, biodynamically farmed parcels are the source of this brilliant Sauvignon Blanc. Fermented in deftly handled 85% new wood, it's something of a thiol-driven style, showing quince and passion fruit flavours and top notes of wild flowers. Complex, nuanced, layered stuff. 2023-29In Bond€158.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2019 Syrah Biodynamic is drop-dead gorgeous on the nose, offering blackberry, blueberry, crushed violet and light star anise aromas that blossom with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with velvety tannins and great depth and intensity, equaled by a finesse that leaves you wanting more on the finish. A sublime Syrah from Johan Reyneke.In Bond€129.00 -
In Bond€146.00
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In Bond€896.00
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Decanter (98)
Complex nose already: beautifully exuberant nose of damsons and flowers – the Carignan really coming through at this early stage. A herbal, stemmy element is also quite noticeable but well balanced. Full-bodied on the palate but only just, with a lovely sense of fluidity, slightly granular tannins and fine acidity – everything is in its place, and is delicious now, but will improve and build further complexity. If possible, wait until 2026 to broach. Long, so expressive and unique. Various soils: granite, slate, clay, gravel. Three weeks' fermentation and three weeks maceration in 3,300L open-top concrete fermenters. Aged for 12 months on the lees in small barrels (5% new), then a further 12 months on fine lees in large wooden foudres. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.In Bond€787.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
From the first sniff, the 2020 Columella is an instant champion that is pointing and swinging for the fence. With its fresh frame of fruit and expertly layered oaky essences, the wine is incredibly complex as it bursts from the glass with precision and finesse. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, the Columella somersaults into a phantasmagoria of bright crunchy red fruit flavors and seductive floral essences that makes my head spin. Collectors will take note and add a couple of bottles of this to their cellar. It’s an absolutely stellar bottling that will age gracefully for decades.In Bond€758.00 -
In Bond€816.00
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Vinous (96)
The 2021 Palladius, the wine that has gone through the biggest transition at the domaine, is matured in concrete eggs and clay amphora for 12 months and 12 months in foudres. It has an exquisite bouquet with touches of yellow flower, melted wax, lanolin and light slate aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity, taut and fresh, very linear and gaining weight towards the finish that lingers in the mouth. Touches of white pepper and Provençal herb stay long in the mouth. Class shines through here.In Bond€762.00 -
Vinous (96)
The 2021 Treinspoor is Sadie's Tinta Barocca that the man himself likens to Nebbiolo, also opining that it is a wine that needs considerable ageing. These vines were planted in 1974, and the blend includes 40% whole clusters. It has a complex, succinctly defined bouquet with melted tar and graphite infused dark berry fruit, a hint of Lapsang Souchong. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, perfectly-tuned acidity, almost Burgundian in texture yet with more pepperiness towards the finish. So elegant and harmonious - this is stunning from every angle you look at it.In Bond€513.00 -
In Bond€606.00
-
Tim Atkin MW (95)
The last two hectares of dry-farmed Syrah on the Helderberg, planted by Bernhard Bredell's grandfather in 1995, were pulled out in 2017, so this Swanesang comes from a new source on the mountain. Rich, dense and Cornas-like, it's another remarkable Syrah from this talented young winemaker, with pepper spice and grip from 30% whole bunches and meaty, stony complexity.In Bond€173.00 -
In Bond€558.00
-
Tim Atkin MW (97)
Very few recent South African releases have been as eagerly awaited as this 2018 red from the old Cordoba property on the flank of the Helderberg. And it doesn't disappoint in the slightest. Cabernet Franc-centred, with 24% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, the new crescendo is a beautifully refined, detailed red from 21-year-old vines. Violet and cut grass aromas lead into a palate that is fresh, bright and comparatively low in alcohol with filigree tannins, subtle wood, fine tension and the focus and balance to age. What a début!In Bond€174.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (98)
Could Schalk-Willem Joubert do it again in 2019 after such an impressive maiden release? You bet he could and he has even improved on that predecessor. This is more precise and nuanced, presenting a seamless assemblage of Cabernet Franc with 26% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon from the windy western corner of the Helderberg. Complex, layered and restrained, with perfumed 35% new wood, graphite, red berry, blackcurrant leaf and tarragon flavours and fresh, sea breeze-kissed finish.In Bond€157.00 -
Immerse in the unrivalled pleasure of sipping on the outstanding Taaibosch Crescendo 2020. Beautifully crafted by Taaibosch Wines at the esteemed Simonsberg-Paarl stretch of South Africa, this gorgeous blend stands out with its superior elegance and complexity. As an organic wine producer committed to sustainable viticulture practices, Taaibosch Wines guarantees an all-natural production process from hand-harvesting to fermentation. Taaibosch Crescendo 2020 is a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, emblematic of the region's profound expertise in creating blended masterpiece wines. The exquisite aromas of black and red berries layered with hints of chocolate and vanilla are followed by the balanced palate offering a long, velvety finish. Rated highly by many trusted wine publications, this truly is a subtly powerful expression of terroir in a bottle. Perfect for special occasions and deserving of the highest esteem, enjoy the sophisticated flavours of the Taaibosch Crescendo 2020.
In Bond€285.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2017 Cat’s Cradle is John Seccombe’s new Chenin Blanc from a vineyard shared with Chris Alheit and Memento. It has quite a rich bouquet of honey, light yellow plum and a slight petrolly tincture. The palate is well balanced with a lovely waxy texture countered by a fine bead of acidity and a pithy finish that is beautifully defined. Excellent.In Bond€124.00 -
Vinous (90)
The 2018 Cat’s Cradle is pure Chenin Blanc that offers beeswax, yellow plum, a touch of butter and a slight adhesive scent on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with crisp acidity, a slightly waxy texture, and a light marine influence and a touch of salinity toward the finish. Fine.In Bond€124.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2021 Cat's Cradle comes from a vineyard between parcels owned by Eben Sadie and Chris Alheit - old vine Chenin planted in 1979 on granite soils. It has an open, melted wax and broom scented nose, lemon curd and light custard-like aromas. The palate is very well balanced with a superb line of acidity, fresh and tensile with a tang of sour lemon on the finish. So much character here. Excellent.In Bond€204.00 -
Vinous (90)
The 2017 Man In The Moon comes from a block of Clairette Blanche that is shared with Craven, the vines 30 years old, and matured in used oak. It has a refulgent straw color with fat tears. The generous bouquet features yellow plum, nectarine, candle wax and light vervain tea aromas. The palate is quite phenolic on the entry, well balanced with a waxy texture and resinous in style; ginger and light pepper notes emerge toward the finish. More tactile than overt in fruit, this is a left-field wine from John Seccombe, one I feel is well made and fascinating.In Bond€107.00 -
Greg Sherwood MW (95+)
This really is a sensational expression from Andre and the team at Vergelegen. A blend of 20% Sauvignon and 80% Semillon, this wine screams premium white Bordeaux from the minute you smell the alluring aromatics. All the classical white Bordeaux hallmark notes are there including a crunchy white citrus, grapefruit zest, pineapple pastille fruits, lime peel, dried coconut and reductive hints of black currant and vinyl. The palate is broad and powerful with a leading edge of sweet and sour grapefruit acidity, tangerine juice, green mango flesh and white citrus fruit intensity. Slightly pithy with hints of dried grass, this wine is a never ending profusion of fruit concentration, minerality and dried herb complexity all knitted together in a very tight, intense, classical package. This wine would go down an absolute treat blind with the Bordelaise producers in the Graves or Pessac-Leognan. With pyrazines well and truly conquered in this wine, this expression is lined up for a long and successful ageing period. Drink from release and for another 12 to 15+ years.In Bond€234.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
Reviewed alongside the 2018 release as they are both on the market, this is Semillon dominated with 40% Sauvignon Blanc. Barrel-aged in one-third new oak, it has flinty, struck match aromas, stylish wood spice, notes of lanolin and grapefruit and a pithy, refreshing finish.In Bond€210.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
Every bit as good as the 2017, even though the vintage is less celebrated, this is an equal marriage of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc with an even lower pH. Grapefruit and elderflower flavours combine appealingly with the stylish vanilla oak, embellished by a herbal undertone.In Bond€143.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
Proof the remarkable ageing potential of Vergelegen's flagship white wine - and it's only just settling into its stride - this is a gloriously complex blend of Sauvignon Blanc and 36% Semillon, with appealing freshness and zip, good focus, a salty undertone and flavours of grapefruit, gooseberry and fresh toast.In Bond€130.00 -
Jancis Robinson (18)
Tasted blind. Blackcurrant pastilles on the really interesting, sophisticated nose. Some savoury inkiness and lots of pleasure. Firm and confident and set for the long term. Lots there with tannin evident only on the end for future development. Long. This is the first wine that reminds me of ambitious bordeaux … luscious – a sort of right-bank style.In Bond€142.00 -
Vinous (92)
(90% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot and 3% cabernet franc) Bright red-ruby. Aromas of currant, graphite, coffee, dark chocolate and clove; lots of sexy new oak showing. Lush and silky on entry, but has enough acidity to frame and enliven its deep flavors of currant and graphite. This bottling represents a distinctly and intentionally modern style for Vergelegen, but also boasts very good structure and verve. Finishes long and brooding, with palate-saturating flavors and broad, noble tannins.In Bond€816.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
Showing much better is the 2006 “V” that demonstrates a little more opulence and fruit intensity on the nose with ripe blackberry, raspberry, sloe and cedar with good definition. The palate has firm chalky tannins and a good sense of tension, a citrus-like acidity towards the long poised finish. This has great potential, but again it deserves time in the cellar. Drink 2014-2022.In Bond€671.00