{"title":"South Africa","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e'Best Specialist Retailer: South Africa 2023' Decanter Wine Awards 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e A collection of all our South African gems, in Swig fashion we have spent years searching high and low for wines that deserve the limelight and we think should be enjoyed by all. If we can help at all with any recommendations, please drop us a line – \u003ca href=\"mailto:wines@swig.co.uk\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"mailto:wines@swig.co.uk\"\u003ewines@swig.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"mullineux-family-olerasay-no-1-37-5cl","title":"Mullineux Family Olerasay No 1 (37.5cl)","description":"\u003cp\u003eMullineux Olerasay No. 1 is a rare, non-vintage solera-style sweet straw wine made from 100% old-vine Chenin Blanc in Swartland, South Africa, by winemakers Chris and Andrea Mullineux. Packaged in a 37.5cl half-bottle, it features rich aromas of dried peaches, honey, and marmalade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFounding members of the Swartland Revolution, four times winner Platter Guide Winery of the Year, and The Wine Enthusiast's Winemaker of the Year 2016, Chris and Andrea Mullineux are one serious power couple. Based just outside of Riebeek Kasteel on their farm Roundstone, their ambition is bottle wines that are a true expression of the Swartland. Its granite, schist and iron soils, its wind swept sites, old vines, hot climate and long, dry Summers. With Chris in charge of the vineyards and viticulture, and Andrea at the helm in the cellar, it has been a joy to see the incredible quality coming out of the estate year on year. Are there any more talented duos in South Africa? I don't think anyone would question it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MULLINEUX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37544059076793,"sku":"SMULLINSNVH01","price":125.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/olerasay_1f955f60-5796-4958-848d-29c3cdbb11c8.jpg?v=1786959568"},{"product_id":"keermont-fleurfontein-2019","title":"Keermont Fleurfontein 2019 37.5cl","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eComplex aromas of dried apricot and citrus rind with hints of vanilla. The palate is rich and full, but is defined by a central core of fresh acidity. This balances the sweetness and layers of fresh fruit and lees allowing the wine to finish neatly with a lingering zing.' Alex Starey, Winemaker \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust 3500 half bottles made of this stunning sweet wine produced from exclusively estate grown fruit, and a true labour of love! This is not a botrytised wine, or a straw wine. Raisins are produced by pinching the stem of the grape bunches while they ripen on the vine which stops the translocation of fluids in and out of the grapes and allows them to dry naturally during the warm summer. The name comes from a beautiful spring on the farm near the Sauvignon blanc vineyard from which the grapes are sourced. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KEERMONT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40639181783225,"sku":"SKEERW19H01","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/products\/fleurfontein_930b3d86-8836-47e2-8c9b-45fa11cc23b6.jpg?v=1628080638"},{"product_id":"lourens-family-wines-howard-john-2020","title":"Lourens Family Wines Howard John 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e44% Grenache Noir, 31% Cinsault and 25% Syrah sourced exclusively from dryland bush vines. The 80% whole bunches bring gorgeous perfume, not just bright fruit, but lots of freshly cracked black peppercorns and hints of Asian spice, garrigue and tapenade. Such vibrancy on the palate with tissue paper fine tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFranco Lourens spent some years working with the great Chris Alheit before setting to focus entirely on his own range of wines. This is a breathtakingly self-assured range and almost in the blink of an eye places Franco into the very top bracket of top-end New Wave SA producers. Franco is a leading light of South Africa’s New Wave and champion of old-vine Chenin, among others. He is inevitably set to join the likes of Chris Alheit, Eben Sadie, Adi Badenhorst, Duncan Savage \u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eet alia\u003c\/i\u003e in the shimmering constellation of New Wave South African stars. BUT - and here's the rub - since Franco is still relatively unknown, the prices do not yet reflect how sensational the wines really are. So this is a perfect opportunity for Swigger's to bag a rare fine wine bargain!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FRANCO LOURENS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41553608671417,"sku":"SLOURENSR20B01","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/products\/howard-johnhighres_1217eb5d-2681-4cff-b5ba-082dcbed346c.png?v=1637667340"},{"product_id":"mullineux-syrah-2019","title":"Mullineux Syrah 2019","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWith fruit sourced from 7 sites - some on granite-based soils, some iron-rich and some schist, Mullineux's pure Syrah offers a wonderful snapshot of the diversity of the Swartland. The perfume is beautiful - high notes of violets, mulberries, spicy orange rind with star anise and clove, and a seamless palate with more dark fruits, black olives and cured meats, like walking into a fancy Italian deli and a sprinkling of pepper. So persistent in the mouth - this is not a big wine, but there's a great power and presence to it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFounding members of the Swartland Revolution, four times winner Platter Guide Winery of the Year, and The Wine Enthusiast's Winemaker of the Year 2016, Chris and Andrea Mullineux are one serious power couple. Based just outside of Riebeek Kasteel on their farm Roundstone, their ambition is bottle wines that are a true expression of the Swartland. Its granite, schist and iron soils, its wind swept sites, old vines, hot climate and long, dry Summers. With Chris in charge of the vineyards and viticulture, and Andrea at the helm in the cellar, it has been a joy to see the incredible quality coming out of the estate year on year. Are there any more talented duos in South Africa? I don't think anyone would question it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MULLINEUX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42694751879353,"sku":"SMUL01R7519","price":22.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/products\/syrah_23158aeb-4807-4545-a9bc-7c1b573ed5d6.jpg?v=1660820039"},{"product_id":"blank-bottle-isa-42-2022","title":"ISA-42 Blank Bottle 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'The resurrection of one of the first BLANKBOTTLE wines - in its original uniform.' Pieter Walser, Winemaker and Owner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe ISA-42 is going back to Pieter's roots. Merlot is what he concentrated on in his early days and then he gave up as he didn't like the result, too thin and weedy. For the 2020 vintage he received a call from a farmer who offered him a tonne of Merlot from a vineyard of deep composed granite soil high up on the Helderberg. Pieter knew this would produce a Merlot he liked so he graciously accepted the offer. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is now the 3rd vintage and Pieter loves it. He has used the old labels from when his bottles were left mostly blank and he created the labels on Microsoft Word. This spends 18 months in 40% new oak and 60% old oak. It's deep, pure and multi-layered with a beautiful richness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe tale behind the name BLANKbottle is that when Pieter was starting out, he made a small parcel of Shiraz and was left with a few unlabelled cases. One day, a woman wanted to buy a wine – “Anything but Shiraz,” she told him. Pieter shrugged and sold her the unlabelled Shiraz, neglecting to mention the variety. A few weeks later she returned demanding more, saying it was the best thing she’d ever drunk. For Pieter, it was a lesson on the gap between what people think they like (or dislike) and what they actually like (or dislike). After that, he decided not to list the varieties on his labels. Every one of Pieter’s wines is a story, rather than a grape variety, and it’s the juice inside the bottle which reveals that story. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BLANK BOTTLE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43754953900217,"sku":"A1476121","price":37.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Blank-Bottle-copy.png?v=1742577057"},{"product_id":"tesselaarsdal-chardonnay-2024","title":"Chardonnay Tesselaarsdal 2023","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFrom unirrigated vineyards on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, and this is just her fourth release! Crisp acidity and lean minerality underpin notes of melon and tangerine fruit and accents of lime blossom. A triumphant expression of terroir, this medium-bodied, cool climate wine is both silky and fresh and boasts a long, elegant finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBerene Sauls has probably the most unique story of all of our winemakers.\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGrowing up in a small village in the Overberg, Berene admits that she came from a beer-drinking community, and wine was never really on her radar. Her first exposure was at the age of 19, when she began working for the trailblazing Hamilton Russell family as an au pair. Lasting only a month, her talents at childcare aside, Anthony Hamilton Russell recognised her drive and thought a job working in the winery office would better suit her. Thrown in at the deep end knowing really nothing about wine, she was soon exposed to every side of the business - assisting with exports, bottling and labelling, driving forklifts and picking during harvest too, as well as on the side, \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"growing and developing a palate that wasn't there!\"\u003c\/em\u003e Her curiosity kept her rising through the ranks, and fifteen years after starting her career, Anthony offered her the opportunity to make her first wine, aided by proficient head winemaker Emul Ross. She leapt at the opportunity, and the rest is history. She named her business Tesselaarsdal for the small village that she grew up in, and if you look closely at the label, you can make out two people walking across the mountain. This is Berene and her grandmother.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TESSELAARSDAL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44297278423225,"sku":"A3116123","price":39.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_89ff1982-c173-4fc3-996a-42b8bebe3d23.png?v=1718893325"},{"product_id":"keermont-pondokrug-cabernet-franc-2018","title":"Keermont Pondokrug Cabernet Franc 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHigh up on the west facing slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain, this is a 1.8 ha parcel of Cabernet Franc planted in 2006 nearly 400m above sea level, surrounded by dense fynbos and exposed to the natural elements, resulting in very low yields, \u003cspan\u003eresulting in an incredibly intense wine\u003c\/span\u003e. \u003cspan\u003eProduced only in the best vintages, b\u003c\/span\u003eroad and deep, the tannins are present, but well-integrated, with deep blackcurrant and polished leather, bayleaf and spice. There's great structure and a succulent finish, and it's a wine built to age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeermont Estate may well take the prize for most beautiful vineyards and views in all of South Africa. And yup, there's some pretty stiff competition! Nestled in a natural amphitheatre between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, their ambition is to produce wines that reflect the natural wonders of this exquisite place. At the helm is the highly talented Alex Starey, a winemaker much revered by his peers and Neal Martin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"KEERMONT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44405555822777,"sku":"A1566118","price":52.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Keermont_PondokRug_Cabernet_Sauvignon.jpg?v=1723209552"},{"product_id":"keermont-cabernet-sauvignon-2022","title":"Keermont Cabernet Sauvignon 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Keermont is a gem of an estate, with sky-high talent on display in every bottle.' \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eMatthew Jukes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery pure blackcurrant - both coulis and cassis melding with spiced wood and a fabulous deep earthiness, meaty notes and middle eastern spice - think cloves, star anise and ras al hanout. The pallet is soft and rich, with gentle rounded tannins, dusted with cocoa and a bright strawberry and mulberry note on the finish too. Very long. Drink now to 2032.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeermont Estate may well take the prize for most beautiful vineyards and views in all of South Africa. And yup, there's some pretty stiff competition! Nestled in a natural amphitheatre between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, their ambition is to produce wines that reflect the natural wonders of this exquisite place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KEERMONT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53391004336514,"sku":"A1526121","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_06b90d14-6572-4af3-9ce2-77fa0de978b3.jpg?v=1731676359"},{"product_id":"savage-white-blend-2023","title":"Savage White Blend 2023","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘96 points – Duncan Savage’s superb white uses grapes from two vineyards on sandstone soils in Elandskloof and Villiersdorp and is a cuvee of Sauvignon Blanc and 24% Semillon. Racy and pithy, despite completing full malolactic, it has a lovely flinty reduction, notes of brine, blackcurrant leaf and salted almonds and a core of celery, lime and pink grapefruit. Drink 2025 – 2032.’ Tim Atkin MW, South Africa Report 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘…This has a complex bouquet with beeswax, wild mint and fennel, the Sémillon marrying beautifully with the Sauvignon. The palate is well balanced with a keen line of acidity. Very poised with impressive weight, it dovetails into a pretty, floral finish. Wonderful.’ Neal Martin, Vinous.com\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe may have made his name as a Sauvignon Blanc specialist at the illustrious Cape Point Vineyards where he stacked up a very impressive roster of awards, but Duncan is a winemaker with many strings to his bow, and winemaking capacities that go far beyond Sauvignon Blanc. He has been on very fine form for the last few years, but right now? Oh boy, he's on fire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Duncan Savage thinks he hasn't hit his full potential yet. Heaven help his rivals when he does.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Tim Atkin MW. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAwarded winemaker of the year twice in 2023! \u003cbr\u003eDuncan Savage was awarded 'winemaker of the year' by Tim Atkin MW, and by the editor of Platter's Guide to South Africa Wines in 2022. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SAVAGE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54857188245890,"sku":"A1076123","price":39.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Savage_White.jpg?v=1725549763"},{"product_id":"blank-bottle-b-bos-i-overberg-2023","title":"B-Bos I Blank Bottle 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e'...a Sauvignon Blanc\/Semillon blend from the southernmost tip of the country, Cape Agulhas, and it would make any Loire, Graves or Marlborough winemaker blush.'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Matthew Jukes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNamed after the sleepy little town of Baardskeerdersbos where the grapes are sourced and where the B-Bos spider creeps into your bedroom at night to steal your beard to build his nest .... From the most southerly tip of Africa, Cape L'Agulhas, Pieter makes this brilliant whites. A brilliant Sauvignon Blanc with a smidge of Semillon, this is his lovely B-Bos 1 you see here. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tale behind the name BLANKbottle is that when Pieter was starting out, he made a small parcel of Shiraz and was left with a few unlabelled cases. One day, a woman wanted to buy a wine – “Anything but Shiraz,” she told him. Pieter shrugged and sold her the unlabelled Shiraz, neglecting to mention the variety. A few weeks later she returned demanding more, saying it was the best thing she’d ever drunk. For Pieter, it was a lesson on the gap between what people think they like (or dislike) and what they actually like (or dislike). After that, he decided not to list the varieties on his labels. Every one of Pieter’s wines is a story, rather than a grape variety, and it’s the juice inside the bottle which reveals that story. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BLANK BOTTLE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54913360888194,"sku":"A5156123","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Blank-Bottle-S1-copy-e1569079482347.png?v=1743067113"},{"product_id":"blank-bottle-master-of-none-2023","title":"Master of None Blank Bottle 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eA madcap blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Pinot Noir and Pinotage, with 16% white grape varieties blended in too. Very juicy, very drinkable! Suited to serving chilled down - lots of strawberry juice, cherry and herbaceous and earthy notes too, blackcurrant leaf and pomegranate. It's a fun little wine to not be taken too seriously. Like Pieter's answer to a Beaujolais-villages and ultimate 'vin de soif.' This 2023 is clean, pure and brilliant. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvery one of Pieter’s wines is a story, rather than a grape variety, and it’s the juice inside the bottle which reveals that story. He doesn’t own any vines, but instead scours South Africa’s winelands for top-quality fruit that has somehow slipped under the radar, now sourcing from nearly 70 sites. Some years he’ll make 20 wines, other years 35. With the benefit of anonymity, variety and regional identity take a back seat while parcel expression does the driving. These are some of South Africa’s most original wines, made by one of South Africa’s most original winemakers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BLANK BOTTLE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54940190704002,"sku":"A5046123","price":22.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Blank-Bottle-Master-of-None-23.jpg?v=1786024733"},{"product_id":"blank-bottle-aasvoel-2023","title":"Aasvoel Blank Bottle 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiny production and not made every year, 100% Verdelho, from the oldest vineyard of the variety in the country. I\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003encredible concentration and energy here and what a great nose - swaggering out of the blocks! Concentrated lime peel and a little chalkiness too, with a super zingy palate - apples and sherbert, gloriously mouth-filling, broad and long, with a very biscuitty finish and saline streak. Pieter is becoming more and more of a fan of Verdelho, and the proof is in the bottle - the different bottlings get better each year. Perhaps you're wondering about the name? It means vulture in Afrikaans - click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/blankbottle.co.za\/blank_bottle_wines\/aasvoel-2021\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e to read more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tale behind the name BLANKbottle is that when Pieter was starting out, he made a small parcel of Shiraz and was left with a few unlabelled cases. One day, a woman wanted to buy a wine – “Anything but Shiraz,” she told him. Pieter shrugged and sold her the unlabelled Shiraz, neglecting to mention the variety. A few weeks later she returned demanding more, saying it was the best thing she’d ever drunk. For Pieter, it was a lesson on the gap between what people think they like (or dislike) and what they actually like (or dislike). After that, he decided not to list the varieties on his labels. Every one of Pieter’s wines is a story, rather than a grape variety, and it’s the juice inside the bottle which reveals that story. He doesn’t own any vines, but instead scours South Africa’s winelands for top-quality fruit that has somehow slipped under the radar, now sourcing from nearly 70 sites. Some years he’ll make 20 wines, other years 35. With the benefit of anonymity, variety and regional identity take a back seat while parcel expression does the driving. These are some of South Africa’s most original wines, made by one of South Africa’s most original winemakers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BLANK BOTTLE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55071933792642,"sku":"A1446123","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Aasvoel_8b8a9125-d3cc-4b04-9d7f-e9854f218038.jpg?v=1743006649"},{"product_id":"aa-badenhorst-grensloos-chenin-blanc-2023","title":"Chenin Blanc Grensloos AA Badenhorst 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 points, Tim Atkin - 95 points, Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e96 points and a Wine of the Year for Chenin Blanc - 'Grensloos rounds up all Adi Badenhorst's single vineyard sites, most of which used to be bottled on their own. Using grapes from five sites on Jakkalsfontein and Kalmoesfontein, it's very gently wooded in foudres and concrete tanks, with lots of leesy richness, stony concentration and layers of beeswax, white flowers, honey and citrus. More than the sum of it's parts. Drink 2025 to 2035.' Tim Atkin MW, South Africa Report 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe firmly believe that Adi Badenhorst is one of the most exciting winemaker in South Africa. He is also the most frustrating. His laid back, self-deprecating, playful manner keeps you guessing and makes you wonder whether he has any idea what he is actually doing, whether he just chucks some grapes into a vat and hopes for the best, but we know full well that there is a huge amount of expertise that goes on behind closed doors, when no one is around to witness his skill and diligence ...and spoil his reputation!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BADENHORST","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55080614101378,"sku":"A4896123","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_4171ba73-d310-4dbc-8194-39edf7429340.jpg?v=1786100927"},{"product_id":"keermont-merlot-2021","title":"Keermont Merlot 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e A wine that however many bottles we buy, we always sell out! Hailing from two blocks on the farm and with a wee drop of Cabernet Franc, it has a b\u003cspan\u003eeautiful dusty, ripe strawberry fruit nose with notes of dried herbs, cigar box and cinnamon. The palate is soft, clean and elegant, with a little orange rind and dried herbs. Gently grippy tannins and good natural acidity help to maintain a fresh elegance and a long, succulent dry finish. Their is remarkable structure despite the ripeness and power of this wine, I really compare it to a right bank Bordeaux, each vintage impresses but this latest feels particularly stunning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeermont Estate may well take the prize for most beautiful vineyards and views in all of South Africa. And yup, there's some pretty stiff competition! Nestled in a natural amphitheatre between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, their ambition is to produce wines that reflect the natural wonders of this exquisite landscape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KEERMONT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55194460717442,"sku":"A2196121","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_a05a17e8-5f0e-453e-9761-61b91381c194.jpg?v=1747129751"},{"product_id":"keermont-terrasse-2023","title":"Keermont Terrasse 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e“Chenin dominated blend of six different grapes. Really satisfying, ripe, honeyed nose transitioning through green apples to an appetizing dry, tangy finish.” Jancis Robinson MW. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Alex Starey’s captivating mille-feuille of white varieties, and it has never looked classier.\" Matthew Jukes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA gorgeous drop from the first sniff. Pear tarte tatin, butterscotch, lime and hazelnut, with almost a hint of creme anglaise - think vanilla pod, freshened by a bracing oyster shell element which leads to a stone fruit-filled palate: fuzzy skinned apricots, peach, with good weight, and a lingering sweetsour finish and good bit of grip. Though it always varies, Chenin Blanc leading, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the main building blocks. The remainder Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne with each variety playing a key part - Chardonnay adding more weight, Sauvignon adding acidity, and some spice from the Rhone varieties. A Decanter magazine MUST TRY in a recent vintage! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeermont Estate may well take the prize for most beautiful vineyards and views in all of South Africa. And yup, there's some pretty stiff competition! Nestled in a natural amphitheatre between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, their ambition is to produce wines that reflect the natural wonders of this exquisite place. And oh boy do they do it with aplomb. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KEERMONT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55194507084162,"sku":"A1506123","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_7af96a95-0c17-4a52-98d1-40146c16de48.jpg?v=1786028659"},{"product_id":"curator-white-2024","title":"Curator Chenin, Viognier, Chardonnay 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Curator White is consistently a feat of brilliance, and the 2024 is another easy-drinking, great-bang-for-your buck bottle. Fresh and vibrant, it's a super wine to enjoy on a warm evening. Chenin Blanc makes up the largest proportion as the backbone and structure. The Chardonnay brings in delicious notes of dried peaches and apricots, whilst the Viognier, from one of SA's favourite growers and vineyards, completes the Swartland canvas bringing body and length. This is amazing value for money.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’re calling it: this might just be one of the best-value white wines to come out of South Africa. It’s an absolute steal. Bursting with character and charm, this bottle punches well above its price tag and fits just about any occasion, whether it’s a lazy weekend sip, a midweek glass with your 5-minute dinner masterpiece, or passed around with mates over Friday night snacks. Frankly, you’d be hard-pressed to beat it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CURATOR","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55303002816898,"sku":"A2626124","price":12.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Curator_Chenin_Blanc_Chardonnay_Viognier_2023.jpg?v=1756467439"},{"product_id":"blank-bottle-big-2021","title":"BIG Blank Bottle 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet franc. The name B.I.G. does not refer to the style of the wine but to the magnitude of the blend. This wine represents Bordeaux from South Africa. The blend of Cab's is taken from multiple vineyards, 9 on this 2021, all at varying altitudes and distances from the coast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePieter describes it as \"9 vineyards from different heights above sea levels. The closest vineyard to the ocean is 3km and the furthest 3 hours drive. We made them all separately and aged them all in French oak for one and a half years - picked mainly when we thought the grapes tasted best. \" \u003cstrong\u003eFull, spiced dark fruit. Very classic BDX blend, but with heart, soul and lovely acidity to carry its warmth and weight. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tale behind the name BLANKbottle is that when Pieter was starting out, he made a small parcel of Shiraz and was left with a few unlabelled cases. One day, a woman wanted to buy a wine – “Anything but Shiraz,” she told him. Pieter shrugged and sold her the unlabelled Shiraz, neglecting to mention the variety. A few weeks later she returned demanding more, saying it was the best thing she’d ever drunk. For Pieter, it was a lesson on the gap between what people think they like (or dislike) and what they actually like (or dislike). After that, he decided not to list the varieties on his labels. Every one of Pieter’s wines is a story, rather than a grape variety, and it’s the juice inside the bottle which reveals that story. He doesn’t own any vines, but instead scours South Africa’s winelands for top-quality fruit that has somehow slipped under the radar, now sourcing from nearly 70 sites. Some years he’ll make 20 wines, other years 35. With the benefit of anonymity, variety and regional identity take a back seat while parcel expression does the driving. These are some of South Africa’s most original wines, made by one of South Africa’s most original winemakers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BLANK BOTTLE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55354232013186,"sku":"A2826121","price":32.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Blank-Bottle-BIG-2021.png?v=1753456444"},{"product_id":"thamnus-chardonnay-2022","title":"Chardonnay Thamnus 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"The Thamnus Chardonnay was one of the discoveries of my 2023 report, so I'm delighted that it's every bit as good this year. Sourced from a single vineyard on Shaw's Mountatin, it's light on its feet yet very well structured, with stylish 38% new wood, effortless minerality and a medley of citrus, pear, vanilla and clementine. Drink 2025-2029\" 95pts, Tim Atkin MW\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Thamnus wines are a real product of their environment. 10ha of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, nestled on the north-facing slopes in Overberg, overlooking the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. This is cool climate, cool plots and old, unique soils. Even the wineries imagery, using the rare ‘fynbos’ mountain rose as their labelling, shows the affinity for this special spot in South Africa. Style wise, winemaker PJ Geyer is certainly inspired by old-world styling. The deliberate placement of the plots is focused around retaining structure, acidity and gaining minerality in the wines. Very quickly, Thamnus is charming and bewildering highly regarded critics who follow SA closely. We are thrilled to have scooped them and can't wait for them to be sampled!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"THAMNUS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55428715872642,"sku":"A6766122","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_3b0f3350-4284-4778-969f-82011535aa34.png?v=1752746710"},{"product_id":"restless-river-main-road-and-dignity-cabernet-sauvignon-2021","title":"Main Road and Dignity Cabernet Sauvignon Restless River 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe first time I tried Restless River was the 2007 in 2015. I shall not forget it. No Cabernet from South Africa had impressed me more. It put me in mind of a top vintage of Chateau Leoville-Poyferre. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eOn a recent visit to Restless River, in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, I tasted a vertical of 2016 to 2019. It was a spectacular tasting. Each vintage was so good, and a product of the conditions of the year. It was exciting to be able to pinpoint these details in each wine, which can easily be lost by too much oak, or trying too hard to impress. I've always thought Restless River was a very special Cabernet, but this was a totally convincing tasting! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThis comes from two very small vineyards, one called Main Road and one called Dignity. Craig has planted another couple of edgy exposed vineyards nearby which look like they could produce very exciting fruit indeed. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eWhile the wine seems effortless, the work that has gone into creating the right conditions, the perfectionist attitude, is off the scale. To have come this far in just over 20 years, and to be making world class Cabernet is incredible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan bgcolor=\"#ffffff\"\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan bgcolor=\"#ffffff\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRestless River is a rising star that has quietly achieved cult-status for its brilliant, Burgundian-style Chardonnay and ultra-elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. Launched in 2012 by Craig Wessels, who, alongside his successful career in digital production, also raced motorbikes and flew helicopters around the Cape, along with his ex-model wife Anne, their farm is located in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Its home to some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay vines in the region (planted in 1998). At Restless River, things are done in an unhurried way, with great dedication and attention to detail. Almost all their production is done by hand, resulting in limited quantities of each wine, and demand far exceeding supply. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan bgcolor=\"#ffffff\"\u003eRestless River is defined by its terroir, and Craig Wessels' thoughtful and careful winemaking allows it to be the star of the show.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RESTLESS RIVER","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55488669352322,"sku":"A1636121","price":59.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_45f50569-68d4-452d-9270-20920059cff6.jpg?v=1753689927"},{"product_id":"porseleinberg-syrah-2023","title":"Porseleinberg Syrah 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epts \u003c\/strong\u003e\"...it's one of the most sublime Porseleinbergs yet, pairing aromas of incense, thyme and black pepper with firm, age-worthy tannins, blackberry, red berry and liquorice flavours and a stony, mineral core. Truly world class.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTim Atkin MW \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are few more sought-after South African wines synonymous with serious quality than the Syrah from Boekenhoutskloof owned Swartland property, Porseleinberg. Producing just one wine from the inhospitable, rugged, windblown vineyards planted on harsh blue schist soils at the top of the mountain, farmer winemaker Callie intends to make a wine with sense of place and time. As he says - this place is hardcore - with almost no top soil, and perilously sharp rocks protruding from the steep slopes.  \u003cspan\u003eOne of the most distinctive things about the Porseleinberg Syrah is its unusual label, which is created by hand on an Original Heidelberg press, the smallest motorised printer ever produced by this iconic company. Since the 2018 vintage, he has adopted one of the key winemaking techniques he took from his time working at Domaine Jamet - of submerging the cap (the solid mass of grape skin, stems and seeds that naturally float to the top during the fermentation,) a traditional method widely used in Europe in the 19th century, and by California's Ridge Vineyards since the '50s. It's this that has perhaps altered the style of \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003ePorseleinberg\u003c\/span\u003e from the early vintages with their hard-as-nail tannins that took 10 years to come around, to the hauntingly beautiful perfumed style of today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55628089557378,"sku":"A1950123","price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_a1c08686-1772-4b88-9fd6-874134c22369.jpg?v=1756895306"},{"product_id":"chocolate-block-boekenhoutskloof-2024","title":"Chocolate Block Boekenhoutskloof 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eShowing wonderfully concentrated juicy Syrah flavours. It's a really lovely drink. I had a glass on night one and it was lovely, and then by night two it had opened up and was really fantastic! Good wines do need time, generally, to show at their best, and I would say it needs a couple of hours of being opened or even decanted if drinking now, but this demonstrates that this vintage of Chocolate Block has complexity that isn't fully revealed in its youth and that it will grow and become better and still be very good in four to five years. As ever, this is a very fine buy, as you're getting a grown-up wine for a modest price, which offers so much pleasure.  As ever, what makes Chocolate Block so good is the drinkability and quality combined. And then there's the price. You just can't argue about the price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReally, anything coming out of the Boekenhoutskloof stable is seriously good these days. Marc Kent, founder of Boekenhoutskloof and Porseleinberg, is a perfectionist, and he works with Callie Louw who grows the grapes, and Gottried Mocke who makes the wine, and have both been awarded 'South African Winemaker of the Year'\u0026amp;nbsp; in recent years; Callie for Porseleinberg, which has just scored 100 points (Tim Atkin MW, The South Africa Special Report 2025), and from where many of the grapes for Chocolate Block come; and Gottfried for his work at Boekenhoutskloof and Chocolate Block (which is made at the Boekenhoutskloof cellar) both of which he has taken to a new level.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55636064469378,"sku":"A1396124","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_fc484cd1-1019-4ee5-9dcf-cbdbd7ecd0bc.png?v=1786028328"},{"product_id":"pierre-le-cois-blank-bottle-2022","title":"Pierre Le Cois Blank Bottle 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis captivating Bordeaux blend is from one farm on the Helderberg mountain that has deep, iron-rich clay soil - perfect for water retention. The grapes are organically farmed and aged for 18 months in 40% new oak and 60% older oak barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine is dedicated to farmers all over the world. Here's why: 'The X-factor - The PIERRE-LE-COIS-EFFECT as I call it. The guy and nowadays often, the girl in the bakkie. The eyes who look holistically at the big picture and apply knowledge and experience within the comfort of like minded wise minds - enabling the application of practices to guide these vines to the ultimate expression of themselves. Season upon season.' Pieter Walser, Owner and Winemaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe tale behind the name BLANKbottle is that when Pieter was starting out, he made a small parcel of Shiraz and was left with a few unlabelled cases. One day, a woman wanted to buy a wine – “Anything but Shiraz,” she told him. Pieter shrugged and sold her the unlabelled Shiraz, neglecting to mention the variety. A few weeks later she returned demanding more, saying it was the best thing she’d ever drunk. For Pieter, it was a lesson on the gap between what people think they like (or dislike) and what they actually like (or dislike). After that, he decided not to list the varieties on his labels. Every one of Pieter’s wines is a story, rather than a grape variety, and it’s the juice inside the bottle which reveals that story. He doesn’t own any vines, but instead scours South Africa’s winelands for top-quality fruit that has somehow slipped under the radar, now sourcing from nearly 70 sites. Some years he’ll make 20 wines, other years 35. With the benefit of anonymity, variety and regional identity take a back seat while parcel expression does the driving. These are some of South Africa’s most original wines, made by one of South Africa’s most original winemakers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BLANK BOTTLE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55656951251330,"sku":"A1486122","price":37.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_11d03d6b-eb2c-4788-87a4-be6db054b557.png?v=1757509198"},{"product_id":"kortpad-kaaptoe-blank-bottle-2024","title":"Kortpad Kaaptoe Blank Bottle 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of Pieter's most unusual cuvees, so-named for the Kortpad Kaaptoe, or cut through road close to the vineyard that Pieter took when having to rush back to Cape Town one day. With its bling ACDC style label, this wine is as stand out as its label. Ripe pineapple, tangerine, stem ginger and spice with a pithy, lightly grippy palate and slivers of bitter sweet orange peel, apricot and long stoney finish. Great acidity keeps it all in check. Drink with coronation chicken (trust us), tandoori dishes or a Persian feast of spiced lamb, stuffed aubergine and jewelled tahdig.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tale behind the name BLANKbottle is that when Pieter was starting out, he made a small parcel of Shiraz and was left with a few unlabelled cases. One day, a woman wanted to buy a wine – “Anything but Shiraz,” she told him. Pieter shrugged and sold her the unlabelled Shiraz, neglecting to mention the variety. A few weeks later she returned demanding more, saying it was the best thing she’d ever drunk. For Pieter, it was a lesson on the gap between what people think they like (or dislike) and what they actually like (or dislike). After that, he decided not to list the varieties on his labels. Every one of Pieter’s wines is a story, rather than a grape variety, and it’s the juice inside the bottle which reveals that story. He doesn’t own any vines, but instead scours South Africa’s winelands for top-quality fruit that has somehow slipped under the radar, now sourcing from nearly 70 sites. Some years he’ll make 20 wines, other years 35. With the benefit of anonymity, variety and regional identity take a back seat while parcel expression does the driving. These are some of South Africa’s most original wines, made by one of South Africa’s most original winemakers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BLANK BOTTLE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55657326150018,"sku":"A4476124","price":24.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_b87f0c78-fec0-4639-b664-de8056e358fc.jpg?v=1786027873"},{"product_id":"chardonnay-tesselaarsdal-2024","title":"Chardonnay Tesselaarsdal 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom unirrigated vineyards on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, and this is just her fourth release! Crisp acidity and lean minerality underpin notes of melon and tangerine fruit and accents of lime blossom. A triumphant expression of terroir, this medium-bodied, cool climate wine is both silky and fresh and boasts a long, elegant finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBerene Sauls has probably the most unique story of all of our winemakers.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing up in a small village in the Overberg, Berene admits that she came from a beer-drinking community, and wine was never really on her radar. Her first exposure was at the age of 19, when she began working for the trailblazing Hamilton Russell family as an au pair. Lasting only a month, her talents at childcare aside, Anthony Hamilton Russell recognised her drive and thought a job working in the winery office would better suit her. Thrown in at the deep end knowing really nothing about wine, she was soon exposed to every side of the business - assisting with exports, bottling and labelling, driving forklifts and picking during harvest too, as well as on the side, \u003cem\u003e\"growing and developing a palate that wasn't there!\"\u003c\/em\u003e Her curiosity kept her rising through the ranks, and fifteen years after starting her career, Anthony offered her the opportunity to make her first wine, aided by proficient head winemaker Emul Ross. She leapt at the opportunity, and the rest is history. She named her business Tesselaarsdal for the small village that she grew up in, and if you look closely at the label, you can make out two people walking across the mountain. This is Berene and her grandmother.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TESSELAARSDAL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55657423012226,"sku":"A3116124","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Tessel24_Chard.jpg?v=1760519861"},{"product_id":"pinot-noir-tesselaarsdal-2024","title":"Pinot Noir Tesselaarsdal 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"The 10th vintage Pinot Noir classically displays the pristine fruit from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge with lifted notes of cranberries, sour cherries and hints of clove spices. This is an elegant age-worthy wine.\" Tim Atkin MW\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBerene Sauls has probably the most unique story of all of our winemakers.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing up in a small village in the Overberg, Berene admits that she came from a beer-drinking community, and wine was never really on her radar. Her first exposure was at the age of 19, when she began working for the trailblazing Hamilton Russell family as an au pair. Anthony Hamilton Russell recognised her drive and thought a job working in the winery office would better suit her. Thrown in at the deep end knowing really nothing about wine, she was soon exposed to every side of the business - assisting with exports, bottling and labelling, driving forklifts and picking during harvest too, as well as on the side, \u003cem\u003e\"growing and developing a palate that wasn't there!\"\u003c\/em\u003e Her curiosity kept her rising through the ranks, and fifteen years after starting her career, Anthony offered her the opportunity to make her first wine, aided by proficient head winemaker Emul Ross. She leapt at the opportunity, and the rest is history. She named her business Tesselaarsdal for the small village that she grew up in, and if you look closely at the label, you can make out two people walking across the mountain. This is Berene's mother and her grandmother who went each week to trade with the nearest town, Stanford.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TESSELAARSDAL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55657440379266,"sku":"A3106124","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Tessel24pinot.jpg?v=1786101461"},{"product_id":"pinot-noir-thamnus-2023","title":"Pinot Noir Thamnus 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhilst the Thamnus Chardonnay was taking all the limelight, this Pinot has been tucked away in our cellar, biding its time and finding its voice. It is now singing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"...Matured in 35% new oak, it has a lifted nose with redcurrant and cranberry fruit, a little sous-bois in the background. The palate is well balanced with a lovely, silky mouthfeel. This is far superior Pinot to the '22 and it displays great precision on the finish. Definitely, this is worth seeking out.\" \u003cstrong\u003eNeal Martin, Vinous.com\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Thamnus wines are a real product of their environment. 10ha of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, nestled on the north-facing slopes in Overberg, overlooking the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. This is cool climate, cool plots and old, unique soils. Even the wineries imagery, using the rare ‘fynbos’ mountain rose as their labelling, shows the affinity for this special spot in South Africa. Style wise, winemaker PJ Geyer is certainly inspired by old-world styling. The deliberate placement of the plots is focused around retaining structure, acidity and gaining minerality in the wines. Very quickly, Thamnus is charming and bewildering highly regarded critics who follow SA closely. We are thrilled to have scooped them and can't wait for them to be sampled!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"THAMNUS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55660774228354,"sku":"A6776123","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_2f17ec87-5883-4504-b6c6-ac3d273db0ba.png?v=1757579695"},{"product_id":"om-pinot-noir-saurwein-2023","title":"Om Pinot Noir Saurwein 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Something of a triumph over the growing conditions of the 2023 vintage, as it's currently\u003cbr\u003edrinking better than the 2024, this is a Pinot Noir for people who value balance, poise and\u003cbr\u003efinesse in their wine. Graceful, ethereal and balletic, it has cranberry and wild strawberry\u003cbr\u003eflavours and lacy, detailed tannins.\" 2026-35, \u003cstrong\u003e95pts Tim Atkin MW\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom the beautifully named P\u003c\/span\u003elace of the Gods Farm on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Exotic spice on the nose sprinkled over strawberries, plums and cherries, with a beautiful hibiscus and fruit-coated palate, crisp acidity and medium body. Poised and beautifully balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSaurwein is Jessica's family name. Steeped in the history of the 17th century winemaking, her forefathers made 'sour' wine for the Emperor of Austria and it has been Jessica's vocation to redeem her family's reputation ever since! She produced just 3 barrels of her maiden vintage Nom Pinot from the celebrated Kaimansgaat vineyard, so-named for a forgotten African goddess of agriculture, and in just a few years, has added another Pinot and Riesling to the range. The future is looking very bright for Saurwein, with the announcement in August 2021 of a new home for them on a farm just outside Stanford, the imminent planting of a vineyard and full-scale regenerative agriculture project.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SAURWEIN","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":55753166946690,"sku":"A4526123","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_5238c9cf-cda5-4548-be03-181ed16ae944.jpg?v=1759574209"},{"product_id":"taaibosch-crescendo-2021","title":"Taaibosch Crescendo 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e \"The 2021 Crescendo has a powerful, intense bouquet, whereby this year the Cabernet Franc component is more expressive, imbuing the aromatics with a touch of bell pepper and tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, classic in style, reserved but fresh, with an underlying marine influence. Very stylish, with a touch of cracked black pepper that enlivens the finish. Seeking great Stellenbosch Cabernet Franc and crazily great value? Step this way.\" 92pts, Neal Martin, Vinous.com\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTaaibosch is a relatively new project, but on that is incredibly inspired by the history and legacy of viticulture up in the Helderberg. Describing the project as custodianship not ownership and the purpose is as much about safeguarding the terroir and supporting the local environment as it is about winemaking. Fortunately those things do positively link, so this diligent, conscious and minimal intervention approach is producing fabulous wine.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Taaibosch","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55769293816194,"sku":"A2636121","price":27.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_f6664031-c90f-4cfe-a349-f73c9eb17b6a.jpg?v=1759837078"},{"product_id":"blank-bottlewhitestarter3pack","title":"Blank Bottle Starter White 3-Pack","description":"\u003cp\u003ePieter's makes A LOT of fantastic wine, crafted from extremely intriguing and well sourced grapes from across South Africa. The labels are all super varied and out there too. Honestly, nearly everything about BlankBottle and the broad, brilliant wines they make are pretty wild. \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThough all his wines contain a pureness and quality (and as you get to know him, a real Pieter-ness), the lack of a coherent link tying his wines together could be thought of as a shortfall. But in his case, this is his superpower. Unbound by marketing strategy, branding or the desire to produce a 'classic style' means his range is superbly interesting and oozes class. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003ePerhaps the aforementioned mania of BlankBottle can make their wines hard to break into, but we've put together the perfect introductory 3 bottle white case for you to dive into and explore. \u003cstrong\u003eDelivered on us, to make sure nothing stands in your way of your first experience of BB.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SWIG MIXED CASE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55822679048578,"sku":"BBSTARTER3WHITE","price":94.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/7a36d4f1-10cb-4232-8be3-d050e1619282.jpg?v=1776772859"},{"product_id":"blank-bottle-red-starter-6pack","title":"Blank Bottle Starter Red 6-Pack","description":"\u003cp\u003ePieter's makes A LOT of fantastic wine, crafted from extremely intriguing and well sourced grapes from across South Africa. The labels are all super varied and out there too. Honestly, nearly everything about BlankBottle and the broad, brilliant wines they make are pretty wild. Though all his wines contain a pureness and quality (and as you get to know him, a real Pieter-ness), the lack of a coherent link tying his wines together could be thought of as a shortfall. But in his case, this is his superpower. Unbound by marketing strategy, branding or the desire to produce a 'classic style' means his range is superbly interesting and oozes class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps the aforementioned mania of BlankBottle can make their wines hard to break into, but we've put together the perfect introductory 6 bottle red case for you to dive into and explore.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SWIG MIXED CASE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55822679474562,"sku":"BBSTARTER6RED","price":199.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/ea33bbeb-8b2c-48c5-9f13-272e68b82462.jpg?v=1786103004"},{"product_id":"blankbottleredstarter3pack","title":"Blank Bottle Starter Red 3-Pack","description":"\u003cp\u003ePieter's makes A LOT of fantastic wine, crafted from extremely intriguing and well sourced grapes from across South Africa. The labels are all super varied and out there too. Honestly, nearly everything about BlankBottle and the broad, brilliant wines they make are pretty wild. \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThough all his wines contain a pureness and quality (and as you get to know him, a real Pieter-ness), the lack of a coherent link tying his wines together could be thought of as a shortfall. But in his case, this is his superpower. Unbound by marketing strategy, branding or the desire to produce a 'classic style' means his range is superbly interesting and oozes class. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003ePerhaps the aforementioned mania of BlankBottle can make their wines hard to break into, but we've put together the perfect introductory 3 bottle red case for you to dive into and explore. \u003cstrong\u003eDelivered on us, to make sure nothing stands in your way of your first experience of BB.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SWIG MIXED CASE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55822682489218,"sku":"BBSTARTER3RED","price":104.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/3dc79f30-9531-4ff7-bf4c-40e30ee62846.jpg?v=1776774985"},{"product_id":"savage-red-2023","title":"Savage Red 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA maximum of 3 bottles per customer.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e96 points - 'Duncan Savage is a fan of the \"purity and elegance\" of the 2023 vintage, comparing it to 2017 and 2021. His eponymous red is now a delicious, pure Syrah from the Langverwagt farm in Kuils River on the edge of Stellenbosch, showing aromas of tobacco leaf, incense and clove, spicy 50% whole bunches and a core of blackberry, plum and tapenade. Drink 2027-2034.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuncan Savage is at the top of his game and this 2023 showcases what South Africa is capable of. To pinpoint one word for these wines it would be purity. Within the wine trade there are few more sought after wines from the New World, and for the price, it represents truly outstanding value. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SAVAGE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55824778527106,"sku":"A1086123","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_e8081c24-cf04-4fa2-ae79-c798311b5852.jpg?v=1786101094"},{"product_id":"follow-the-line-savage-2024","title":"Follow The Line Savage 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e'96 points – Follow The Line is a stellar Cinsault that transcends the limits of the variety. Sourced from a parcel of 43-year-old dry-farmed vines on decomposed granite soils, it has 6% co-fermented Syrah for added complexity, rose petal and Turkish Delight aromas and a focused, pithy, Atlantic-influenced palate of plum and wild strawberry. The tannins are salty and fine grained. Drink 2027-2033.' Tim Atkin MW, South Africa Report \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuncan Savage is at the top of his game and these 2024s showcase what South Africa is capable of. To pinpoint one word for these wines it would be purity. Within the wine trade there are few more sought after wines from the New World, and for the price, it represents truly outstanding value. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SAVAGE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55824782918018,"sku":"A1096124","price":39.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_32974db6-c87e-4c9d-800b-d909cfc92c91.png?v=1760537315"},{"product_id":"secateurs-chenin-blanc-aa-badenhorst-2025","title":"Secateurs Chenin Blanc AA Badenhorst 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy is this wine so special? Why does it win so much rapturous admiration? Because it \u003c\/span\u003esurprises\u003cspan\u003e people with its quality. You just don't expect to find an organic, old-vine Swartland chenin (yields as low as 4 tons\/hectare - about the same as much premier and grand cru Burgundy), with this much character, texture and interest, at this price level. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe wines spends time on its lees in concrete tanks and old casks, which gives incredible texture and palate weight to the wine.  Flinty, citrus, pear and white stone fruits that will develop with honey and orange blossom with time.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe firmly believe that Adi Badenhorst is the most exciting winemaker in South Africa. He is also the most frustrating. His laid back, self-deprecating, playful manner keeps you guessing and makes you wonder whether he has any idea what he is actually doing, whether he just chucks some grapes into a vat and hopes for the best, but we know full well that there is a huge amount of expertise that goes on behind closed doors, when no one is around to witness his skill and diligence ...and spoil his reputation!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BADENHORST","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55832506827138,"sku":"A2756125","price":16.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_8be0a579-808f-4813-a841-3de5f5b97346.jpg?v=1760689856"},{"product_id":"curator-red-2024","title":"Curator Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz,  Pinotage 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 2024 Curator is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Pinotage and 30% Shiraz, taking fruit from the Swartland and surrounding areas. With majority of the blend being Cab we see a firm and expressive display of wonderful red fruit, but it also provides a needed framework. While the Pinotage swoops in and provides a calming weighted blanket for those grippy tannins, this allowing the wine to be fuller bodied but yet very easy to drink... a little winner!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e#Tasting#\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt’s not every day you stumble upon a red wine this good and this affordable. South Africa’s really outdone itself here. Easy going yet impressive, this gem slips seamlessly into any moment, whether you’re unwinding on a Sunday, jazzing up a midweek microwave marvel, or pouring generously for friends over picky bits and laughter. Great taste doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag... and this bottle proves it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CURATOR","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56028832891266,"sku":"A2666124","price":10.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Curator_Red.png?v=1778838999"},{"product_id":"keermont-fleurfontein-2024-37-5cl","title":"Keermont Fleurfontein Straw Wine 2024 - 37.5cl","description":"\u003cp class=\"italic text-sm text-red pb-2\"\u003e\"Utterly delicious...The 2024 Fleurfontein is a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% vine-dried Roussanne. This straw wine matured for 18 months in seasoned 500-litre barrels. It has a perfumed, well-defined bouquet with wild peach, tangerine and nectarine scents that blossom in the glass. The palate has the exquisite balance that it nearly always shows, with nectarine and mango, bright and refreshing towards the finish.\" Neal Martin, Vinous.com\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced from exclusively estate grown fruit, and a true labour of love! This is not a botrytised wine, or a straw wine. Raisins are produced by pinching the stem of the grape bunches while they ripen on the vine which stops the translocation of fluids in and out of the grapes and allows them to dry naturally during the warm summer. The name comes from a beautiful spring on the farm near the Sauvignon Blanc vineyard from which the grapes are sourced.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KEERMONT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56097340031362,"sku":"A1341224","price":26.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_71255901-d3a6-41a4-9c05-e4acc1b91c26.jpg?v=1765979553"},{"product_id":"flight-farm-elgin-cabernet-franc-weather-report-2023","title":"Flight Farm Elgin Cabernet Franc Weather Report 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is quite possibly South Africa's best Cabernet Franc. Though the fruit of Flight Farm, Elgin, is a major component of his Chris's blended Cab Franc, 'Climes' I'm thrilled its getting a chance to shine by itself as well, in this delicious single vineyard wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeather Report is a small-production winery, founded by Chris Keet Jr, specialising in Cabernet Franc from a handful of tiny sites across the Western Cape. Wine positively flows in Chris' veins. His uncle is Chris Keet of Keet wines, formerly winemaker at former SA icon, Cordoba. He made the 1995 vintage of their Crescendo, one of South Africa's first cult wines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WEATHER REPORT","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56163002450306,"sku":"A6846123","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/WRFlightFar23bottleshot.png?v=1768906951"},{"product_id":"climes-of-cabernet-franc-weather-report-2022","title":"Climes of Cabernet Franc Weather Report 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is Chris' fifth release of his blended Cabernet Franc. It is once again exceptional. Produced from a handful of carefully selected vineyards across the Western Cape, this exhibits Cabernet Franc in all its beauty.  With attractive hints of green peppercorn, liquorice, polished coffee bean, forest floor and lavender. There are layers and layers to this wine that keeps evolving in the glass. The black cherry fruit is very pure on the palate, but somewhat darker and mysterious and with very good weight. It slides over the palate like silk, concentrated yet fresh, and just a little herbal tone on the long finish. Delicious and very grown up.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeather Report is a small-production winery, founded by Chris Keet Jr, specialising in Cabernet Franc from a handful of tiny sites across the Western Cape. Wine positively flows in Chris' veins. His uncle is Chris Keet of Keet wines, formerly winemaker at former SA icon, Cordoba. He made the 1995 vintage of their Crescendo, one of South Africa's first cult wines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WEATHER REPORT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56163003761026,"sku":"A1766122","price":29.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_86ce061f-b268-4593-9d80-9ba7c8ecd5cb.jpg?v=1786098890"},{"product_id":"confessions-of-a-white-glove-chaser-blank-bottle-2022","title":"Confessions of a White Glove Chaser Blank Bottle 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a story of very creative and budget-friendly wine-making that goes back to 2013 when Pieter Walser was on the hunt for excellent fruit sources, but was a little strapped for cash. At the time there were rumours going round about about a new series of consultants in town to sift through the huge amount of Bordeaux vineyards on offer to pick only the very best for SA's very only Screaming Eagle. On spotting a picking team wearing white surgical gloves, Pieter \u003c\/span\u003easked the farmer if he could buy the grapes as close as possible to the piece going to the White Gloves. And this is his confession of how he started chasing the white gloves! \u003cspan\u003eIt's a remarkable wine - graceful yet with terrific concentration, velvety with a savoury, earthy touch making it very complex. For me this is reminiscent of a New World St Estephe. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page-width middle-description\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"middle-description__item\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tale behind the name BLANKbottle is that when Pieter was starting out, he made a small parcel of Shiraz and was left with a few unlabelled cases. One day, a woman wanted to buy a wine – “Anything but Shiraz,” she told him. Pieter shrugged and sold her the unlabelled Shiraz, neglecting to mention the variety. A few weeks later she returned demanding more, saying it was the best thing she’d ever drunk. For Pieter, it was a lesson on the gap between what people think they like (or dislike) and what they actually like (or dislike). After that, he decided not to list the varieties on his labels. Every one of Pieter’s wines is a story, rather than a grape variety, and it’s the juice inside the bottle which reveals that story. He doesn’t own any vines, but instead scours South Africa’s winelands for top-quality fruit that has somehow slipped under the radar, now sourcing from nearly 70 sites. Some years he’ll make 20 wines, other years 35. With the benefit of anonymity, variety and regional identity take a back seat while parcel expression does the driving. These are some of South Africa’s most original wines, made by one of South Africa’s most original winemakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"BLANK BOTTLE","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56163509338498,"sku":"A2606122","price":32.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_9004db05-4f0d-4418-92b3-81048478587f.jpg?v=1767720896"},{"product_id":"christine-buitenverwachting-2018","title":"Christine Buitenverwachting 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eBuitenverwachting' flagship red, named after Lars' iconic mother. A Bordeaux blend, led by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, featuring small parts Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Old school Cabernet Sauvignon, though. It takes us back to some of the traditional styles of Bordeaux and California. And while not either of those, as there's a slight lick of something that gives it away as South African, it's exceptional. It's concentrated with a decent amount of tannin that should help this age for another 10 years. But drinking this now is great. The nose, is just sublime, you could sip this all day long.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn any trip to South Africa, Buitenverwachting is almost always our first port of call on landing. It is the most wonderful place to sit and taste outside, and enjoy some fine food, with the ever-genial owner and host Lars Maack close by, aided by the brilliant Brad Paton, their highly talented winemaker.  Buitenverwachting is a historic Constantia estate, with the name meaning “Beyond Expectation.\" It originally formed part of the Constantia estate which was founded by Simon Van De Stel, the first Governor of the New Dutch Colony of The Cape, who we know planted vines on his farm. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BUITENVERWACHTING","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56167418265986,"sku":"A6136118","price":22.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BuitenverwachtingChristine2017.jpg?v=1786096187"},{"product_id":"keermont-steepside-syrah-2019","title":"Keermont Steepside Syrah 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003ePlanted in 2005 on the steep mid-slopes of the Helderberg mountain in rich red clay loam soils, Steepside is bathed in sunshine from early each morning. Beautifully perfumed with bright red fruits, spiced mulberries and pretty violets matched with a sappy earthiness. The palate has an amazing and vivid lift to the fruit, and fine woven tannins, finishing with just a little wood spice and sandalwood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Steepside is a comparatively warm, north-facing site that has produced a typically intense, concentrated wine here. Meaty, savoury and showing some pepper spice from 15% whole clusters, it marries incense and rosemary aromas with a palate of charcuterie, blackberry and tapenade. 2025-32\" \u003cstrong\u003e95pts, Tim Atkin MW\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeermont Estate may well take the prize for most beautiful vineyards and views in all of South Africa. And yup, there's some pretty stiff competition! Nestled in a natural amphitheatre between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, their ambition is to produce wines that reflect the natural wonders of this exquisite place. At the helm is the highly talented Alex Starey, a winemaker much revered by his peers and Neal Martin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KEERMONT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56171974033794,"sku":"A1546119","price":54.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_084a8b36-5363-47c6-a1c1-ebf741b2eba8.png?v=1786101886"},{"product_id":"keermont-syrah-2019","title":"Keermont Syrah 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eSourced from three different vineyards, and with a drop of Mourvèdre added to the blend, it is inky in colour and with dark fruit, but surprisingly nimble - violets, mulberries and a little sizzling bacon fat. On the palate there's fabulous hot cross bun flavours - all candied peel and baking spice and pepper, matched with savoury fynbos and brush and a little caraway. The finish is very fine with refreshing acidity and a certain crunchiness to the fruit. Delish!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeermont Estate may well take the prize for most beautiful vineyards and views in all of South Africa. And yup, there's some pretty stiff competition! Nestled in a natural amphitheatre between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, their ambition is to produce wines that reflect the natural wonders of this exquisite place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KEERMONT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56226000634242,"sku":"A1536119","price":29.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_6d109672-e551-446a-aa1d-1d1df0ec7897.jpg?v=1768564163"},{"product_id":"rondavel-hills-syrah-tembela-wines-2024","title":"Rondavel Hills Syrah 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"We had the Rondavel Hills yesterday with our roast- absolutely brilliant.\" - E.B.D\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-teams=\"true\"\u003eFrom the winner of South Africa's New Generation Winemaker of the Year, Banele Vakele of Tembela wines! Rondavel Hills Syrah is delicious. It's both easy to drink, while being serious.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-teams=\"true\"\u003eFrom Syrah vines grown in the Swartland. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eBanele grew up in Cape Town's largest township, Khayelitsha. He still lives there, looking after four younger siblings, after his mum died. He earned a scholarship to a Constantia high school and his classroom looked out over a vineyard, he sat there daydreaming about what life in wine would be like. He got a degree at Elsenberg Agricultural College and enrolled on the Cape Winemaker’s Guild Protégé programme, where he did stints in Burgundy, Oregon and Yarra Valley. The final stage was with Savage wines. Such was Duncan's fondness and respect for Banele as a person and winemaker, he was there for 7 year. Banele's wine, Tembela, is named after his mother, which means faith, hope and belief. \u003cspan class=\"im\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBanele has chosen the name Rondavel Hills for his other wines, as it reminds him of the huts dotted around the rolling hills in the Eastern Cape where he was born.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rondavel Hills","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56275875103106,"sku":"A6906124","price":16.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/RondavelHillsSyrah2024_jpeg_b7445a3d-f6a9-457b-a5f2-540daa672a6e.jpg?v=1786021517"},{"product_id":"rondavel-hills-chenin-blanc-tembela-wines-2025","title":"Rondavel Hills Chenin Blanc 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-teams=\"true\"\u003eFrom the winner of South Africa's New Generation Winemaker of the Year, Banele Vakele of Tembela wines! Rondavel Hills Chenin Blanc is delicious. T\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehe nose has melon and peach, with a hint of chalkiness and minerality that comes across on the palate as a nice streak of citrus. It's full but not too full, showing tension and restraint. It drinks so easily. We had it with chicken and courgettes and it could not have been a better match. In fact, it slipped down so easily that we reached for a second bottle.  This will be excellent with so many dishes. But it's gorgeous to sip and have with nibbles. And it's only 12.5% alc!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"im\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOld vine Chenin grown in the Swartland, produces this rich, texture and joyous wine that is bright and so nicely balanced too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eBanele grew up in Cape Town's largest township, Khayelitsha. He still lives there, looking after four younger siblings, after his mum died. He earned a scholarship to a Constantia high school and his classroom looked out over a vineyard, he sat there daydreaming about what life in wine would be like. He got a degree at Elsenberg Agricultural College and enrolled on the Cape Winemaker’s Guild Protégé programme, where he did stints in Burgundy, Oregon and Yarra Valley. The final stage was with Savage wines. Such was Duncan's fondness and respect for Banele as a person and winemaker, he was there for 7 year. Banele's wine, Tembela, is named after his mother, which means faith, hope and belief. \u003cspan class=\"im\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBanele has chosen the name Rondavel Hills for his other wines, as it reminds him of the huts dotted around the rolling hills in the Eastern Cape where he was born.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rondavel Hills","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56318735024514,"sku":"A7016125","price":16.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/img.png?v=1772806723"},{"product_id":"old-vine-series-treinspoor-sadie-family-wines-2022","title":"Old Vine Series 'Treinspoor' Sadie Family Wines 2022","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'97 points - The 2022 Treinspoor is pure Swartland Tinta Barocca that includes 50% whole clusters, 20 to 28 days on the skins and matured in old\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003efoudres\u003c\/em\u003e. The bouquet is a little plusher on the nose than the Pofadder, with crushed rose petals and fynbos - garrigue. Stunning delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins, perfectly balanced, and a touch of graphite. It’s quite saline on the finish with a pinch of white pepper. All this is delivered at just 13.1% alcohol. Sadie reckons this grape variety is a long-term player, and I've no reason to disagree. Sublime.' Neal Martin, Vinous.com\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eA founding member of the Swartland Revolution, along with Adi Badenhorst, Chris \u0026amp; Andrea Mullineux and Callie Louw, this is the man at the very heart of Swartland's old-vine story, the sine qua non of the South African New Wave. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SADIE FAMILY","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56488671936898,"sku":"A2126122","price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/products\/treinspoor.png?v=1658498458"},{"product_id":"familiemoord-blank-bottle-2024-magnum-150cl","title":"Familiemoord Blank Bottle 2024 Magnum 150cl","description":"\u003cp\u003eA wine with quite the story behind it, based on the day that Pieter was close to being arrested for supposedly murdering his son! Panic not, it was nothing more than a simple misunderstanding, but Pieter wanted to preserve the story that made it into the local newspaper on a bottle of wine. This wine is now 100% Grenache from Piekenierskloof, a high lying ridge with some of the most fabulous old vine Grenache in South Africa. You can tell in this wine - it's hauntingly beautiful, with oh so pretty aromatics and delicate flavours, but certainly not short on flavour. Think of the Garnachas from Gredos, and dial down the tannins a little. Redcurrant coulis and raspberry ripple swirls across the palate with bruised herbs, gentle spice, soft leather, freesias, and a silken, seamless palate with just the right amount of crunch. As Pieter says, \"it was the most beautiful Grenache we could find.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tale behind the name BLANKbottle is that when Pieter was starting out, he made a small parcel of Shiraz and was left with a few unlabelled cases. One day, a woman wanted to buy a wine – “Anything but Shiraz,” she told him. Pieter shrugged and sold her the unlabelled Shiraz, neglecting to mention the variety. A few weeks later she returned demanding more, saying it was the best thing she’d ever drunk. For Pieter, it was a lesson on the gap between what people think they like (or dislike) and what they actually like (or dislike). After that, he decided not to list the varieties on his labels. Every one of Pieter’s wines is a story, rather than a grape variety, and it’s the juice inside the bottle which reveals that story. He doesn’t own any vines, but instead scours South Africa’s winelands for top-quality fruit that has somehow slipped under the radar, now sourcing from nearly 70 sites. Some years he’ll make 20 wines, other years 35. With the benefit of anonymity, variety and regional identity take a back seat while parcel expression does the driving. These are some of South Africa’s most original wines, made by one of South Africa’s most original winemakers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BLANK BOTTLE","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56494295548290,"sku":"A5136824","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_6626e69b-e822-4a8b-a0a4-2153d6ae103b.jpg?v=1786102118"},{"product_id":"retirement-65-blank-bottle-2025","title":"Retirement@65 Blank Bottle 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Syrah comes through beautifully on the nose, with the oh so pretty Cinsault sitting demurely in the background - a crack of black pepper over gentle sage, clove and herbal notes, with some liquorice and berries too. It's very nicely structured, with focused tannins, sappy notes and a very long, mouthwatering finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine was made for the first time in the vineyard's 65th year after years of the farmer battling with birds pecking the grapes resulting in rot, or sheep simply eating everything in sight. When the farmer did have a successful harvest the fruit went to one of the larger local wineries. Having been formally retired from service in its 63rd year, Pieter took his chance and snuck in. Several years careful nursing and recuperation farming, plus bird nets and a better fence and here it is - Retirement @ 65. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tale behind the name BLANKbottle is that when Pieter was starting out, he made a small parcel of Shiraz and was left with a few unlabelled cases. One day, a woman wanted to buy a wine – “Anything but Shiraz,” she told him. Pieter shrugged and sold her the unlabelled Shiraz, neglecting to mention the variety. A few weeks later she returned demanding more, saying it was the best thing she’d ever drunk. For Pieter, it was a lesson on the gap between what people think they like (or dislike) and what they actually like (or dislike). After that, he decided not to list the varieties on his labels. Every one of Pieter’s wines is a story, rather than a grape variety, and it’s the juice inside the bottle which reveals that story. He doesn’t own any vines, but instead scours South Africa’s winelands for top-quality fruit that has somehow slipped under the radar, now sourcing from nearly 70 sites. Some years he’ll make 20 wines, other years 35. With the benefit of anonymity, variety and regional identity take a back seat while parcel expression does the driving. These are some of South Africa’s most original wines, made by one of South Africa’s most original winemakers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BLANK BOTTLE","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56544503726466,"sku":"A5116125","price":29.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BlankBottleRetirementat65.webp?v=1775815552"},{"product_id":"boekenhoutskloof-franschhoek-cabernet-sauvignon-2023","title":"Boekenhoutskloof Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"And we come to one of the finest wines ever to wear this badge!  It is 30 years since Marc first received grapes from this vineyard to make his wines, and I cannot remember a more profound creation (and I have tasted them all).  For a start, the nose is epically floral, crammed with an entire stationer’s emporium of pencil lead, and the oak is so delectable, I could eat a steak of it with a simple side salad.  This is an intricate and yet astoundingly grand wine, and it soaks the palate in glory.  The tannins are exquisite, and they will propel this wine forward for a heroic decade and then one more, but I am a sucker for swaggering, elementally charged red wines, so I would not wait until grey appears around this wine’s temples.  Admittedly, you would need some decanter time if you were to venture into this wine’s world today, but I wouldn’t say no.  I reckon its true peak will be in five or six years when you will be able to put it alongside every worthy Cabernet adversary on Earth, and it will simply smile back at you.\" 19.5+\/20\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Matthew Jukes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll fruit comes from their 30yr old estate vines. A beautiful, earthy and spiced nose. You get graphite with the cassis. The tannins are nicely integrated and feel sleek. A grand, glorious wine indeed. Cassis, dark plum and brooding black cherry, with grilled herbs and spice characters amongst it. Superbly integrated oak enhances the depth of flavour and feeling of things. This is extremely fine and super wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56588078350722,"sku":"A3496123","price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_659d66fa-8224-4c11-9aec-853187826e05.jpg?v=1786100638"},{"product_id":"boekenhoutskloof-stellenbosch-cabernet-sauvignon-2023","title":"Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"...with stunning, sleek fruit and a surprisingly plush outlook...Silky, layered, discreet, and charming, there is gentleness here, and it is irresistibly appealing.\" - 18\/20 Matthew Jukes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerhaps their most impressive work, given the Helderberg's rainfall in late harvest. It really hasn't stopped them delivering a delicious and high potential Cab. The conditions might be why I felt it had more of a nod to Claret then I expected, just in its delicate perfume and sensitivity. Just a nudge of mint on the nose. Nicely ripe in fruit, with pure black plum, blackcurrant and a little chocolate. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56588082676098,"sku":"A3506123","price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"DUTY FREE","offer_id":56712460042626,"sku":"A3506123","price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_410af0eb-bf69-4335-8ea3-15a330705e37.jpg?v=1777020072"},{"product_id":"the-frontier-grenache-blanc-glen-heatlie-2023","title":"The Frontier Grenache Blanc Glen Heatlie 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eOnly 1,400 bottles made! This 100% Grenache Blanc is a gorgeous drop for summer. Only the third vintage made by Joan Heatlie and it's a stunner. It has caught the attention of Decanter who say: 'This stunning new vintage shows spicy notes of ginger and dried pineapple, with quince, Golden Delicious apple and a note of macadamia coming through on what is a bone-dry, concentrated and texturally engaging palate. Gorgeously persistent and savoury to finish, it's a triumph.' and Platter's who say '...Sun-ripe yellow apple, quince \u0026amp; pineapple with baking spice nuance from wild ferment...Richness balanced \u0026amp; lifted by juicy acid, elegant dryness.'. We only have 90 bottles so grab some while you can.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine comes from 9-year-old bush vines located on the east-facing “Agter-Groenberg” slope in Wellington, with vines oriented east to west. The site’s deep clay soils are rich in iron ferricrete at the surface. Fermentation is in 500 litre barrels with indigenous yeasts, it has Sur-lie contact for 15 months, with additional Grenache Blanc fine lees added at the 9 month mark. Minimal sulphur is added and there is no filtration or stabilization.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glen Heatlie","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56629219623298,"sku":"A7266123","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/GlenHeatlieGrenacheBlanc.png?v=1786032138"}],"url":"https:\/\/swig.co.uk\/collections\/country-south-africa\/region-capeagulhas.oembed","provider":"Swig Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}