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
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,001.80 |
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|
Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€941.06 |
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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. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€642.47 |
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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. |
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|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€753.83 |
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|
Coastal Region | 4 | 95 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€230.05 |
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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. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€545.30 |
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|
Cape South Coast | 3 | - |
Inc. TAX
€172.15 |
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|
Cape South Coast | 5 | - |
Inc. TAX
€533.32 |
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|
Cape South Coast | 2 | - |
Inc. TAX
€178.18 |
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|
Cape South Coast | 1 | 96 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€389.32 |
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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) |
Inc. TAX
€239.58 |
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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) |
Inc. TAX
€267.22 |
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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 | 2 | - |
Inc. TAX
€457.72 |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 90 (WS) |
Inc. TAX
€274.45 |
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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 | 18 | - |
Inc. TAX
€274.45 |
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|
Cape South Coast | 4 | 93 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€410.92 |
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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 | 93 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€206.98 |
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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 | 3 | - |
Inc. TAX
€422.92 |
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|
Cape South Coast | 2 | - |
Inc. TAX
€543.50 |
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|
Cape South Coast | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€543.50 |
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|
Cape South Coast | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€278.95 |
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|
Cape South Coast | 8 | - |
Inc. TAX
€197.65 |
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|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€696.52 |
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|
Cape South Coast | 3 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€299.65 |
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Vinous (92)The 2016 Ridge Pinot Noir comes from vines located at 325 meters, the highest that Hannes Storm farms, east-facing with a prevailing southeasterly wind that creates a cooler site and longer hangtime. It was matured in 25% new oak for 11 months. It is more youthful in appearance compared to the Ignis, the nose very cohesive with black cherry, raspberry preserve, crushed stone and light wilted rose petal aromas. The fresh, poised palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity and perhaps the edgiest tannins of Storm’s 2016s. Long with a touch of spice on the finish, this is an excellent Pinot Noir. It’s a shame only 250 cases were produced. |
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|
Cape South Coast | 1 | 94 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€300.94 |
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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 | 1 | 95 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€377.27 |
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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 | 96 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€404.14 |
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Tim Atkin MW (96)Ridge is often the most backward of Hannes Storm's trio of remarkable single vineyard Pinot Noirs, sourced from an east-facing, high-density planting at 330 metres at La Vierge on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Plum, black cherry and a hint of graphite are underpinned by plenty of grip, backbone and intensity. One to tuck away for a while. |
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|
Cape South Coast | 1 | 95 (DC) |
Inc. TAX
€311.65 |
|||||
Decanter (95)Hannes Storm makes three distinctive and very different Pinot Noirs from estate-grown fruit in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus. The Vrede Pinot comes from an elevated vineyard site on shale soils and is very Burgundian in style but with a new world flair. Lush red fruit dominates the nose and palate with cherries and violets dominating before a lick of oak leads to more tertiary characters of soil and tomato leaf. Long and delicious. |
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|
Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€231.18 |
|||||
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! |
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|
Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€210.82 |
|||||
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. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
€816.00 |
|||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
€762.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
€513.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
€606.00 |
|||||
|
Coastal Region | 4 | 95 (TA) |
In Bond
€173.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 1 | - |
In Bond
€408.00 |
|||||
|
Cape South Coast | 3 | - |
In Bond
€121.00 |
|||||
|
Cape South Coast | 5 | - |
In Bond
€407.00 |
|||||
|
Cape South Coast | 2 | - |
In Bond
€136.00 |
|||||
|
Cape South Coast | 1 | 96 (TA) |
In Bond
€287.00 |
|||||
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 |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 1 | 96 (TA) |
In Bond
€181.00 |
|||||
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 |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 1 | 96 (TA) |
In Bond
€204.00 |
|||||
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 | 2 | - |
In Bond
€344.00 |
|||||
|
Cape South Coast | 1 | 90 (WS) |
In Bond
€210.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 18 | - |
In Bond
€210.00 |
|||||
|
Cape South Coast | 4 | 93 (TA) |
In Bond
€305.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 2 | 93 (TA) |
In Bond
€160.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 3 | - |
In Bond
€315.00 |
|||||
|
Cape South Coast | 2 | - |
In Bond
€408.00 |
|||||
|
Cape South Coast | 1 | - |
In Bond
€408.00 |
|||||
|
Cape South Coast | 1 | - |
In Bond
€210.00 |
|||||
|
Cape South Coast | 8 | - |
In Bond
€146.00 |
|||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
€558.00 |
|||||
|
Cape South Coast | 3 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
€231.00 |
|||||
Vinous (92)The 2016 Ridge Pinot Noir comes from vines located at 325 meters, the highest that Hannes Storm farms, east-facing with a prevailing southeasterly wind that creates a cooler site and longer hangtime. It was matured in 25% new oak for 11 months. It is more youthful in appearance compared to the Ignis, the nose very cohesive with black cherry, raspberry preserve, crushed stone and light wilted rose petal aromas. The fresh, poised palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity and perhaps the edgiest tannins of Storm’s 2016s. Long with a touch of spice on the finish, this is an excellent Pinot Noir. It’s a shame only 250 cases were produced. |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 1 | 94 (TA) |
In Bond
€232.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 1 | 95 (TA) |
In Bond
€292.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 1 | 96 (TA) |
In Bond
€318.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)Ridge is often the most backward of Hannes Storm's trio of remarkable single vineyard Pinot Noirs, sourced from an east-facing, high-density planting at 330 metres at La Vierge on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Plum, black cherry and a hint of graphite are underpinned by plenty of grip, backbone and intensity. One to tuck away for a while. |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 1 | 95 (DC) |
In Bond
€241.00 |
|||||
Decanter (95)Hannes Storm makes three distinctive and very different Pinot Noirs from estate-grown fruit in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus. The Vrede Pinot comes from an elevated vineyard site on shale soils and is very Burgundian in style but with a new world flair. Lush red fruit dominates the nose and palate with cherries and violets dominating before a lick of oak leads to more tertiary characters of soil and tomato leaf. Long and delicious. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (TA) |
In Bond
€174.00 |
|||||
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! |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) |
In Bond
€157.00 |
|||||
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. |