{"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-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":false}],"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":"lourens-family-wines-skuinskap-steen-2022","title":"Skuinskap Steen Lourens Family Wines 2022","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSourced from Piekenierskloof, Lourens Family Wines Skuinskap Steen 2022 is  one of South Africa's finest fine Chenin's, renowned for its minerality and structure. Exciting to drink, with so much energy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e#Tasting#\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\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 in just a few vintages, places Franco into the very top bracket of top-end New Wave SA producers. Whilst still extremely modest, 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. Sharing cellar space with good friend Lukas Van Loggerenberg, Franco works with a variety of sites across the Western Cape including the country's oldest Verdelho vineyard, and two exceptional sites in Piekenierskloof.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FRANCO LOURENS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44366680654009,"sku":"A1576122","price":47.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Lourens-Skuinskap-Steen-Bottle-Shot.jpg?v=1742382848"},{"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":"the-vineyard-party-im-your-huckleberry-2022","title":"I'm Your Huckleberry The Vineyard Party 2022","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePitch perfect Semillon, although do not hesitate to give it a really good swirl. So very briar-y and brambley, with such piquancy, and tang - think the finest French creme fraiche with macerated yellow peppers, struck flint, tangerine and just a little tree bark and medicinal herbs. The weight is lovely - not quite that waxy lanolin character that Semillon takes on with age, but certainly on the path. It finishes with the merest hint of bitter pithiness, orange peel and some bruised rosemary. This is such a superb example of the ageing potential of Semillon. Only Jolette's second release, I'm your Huckleberry incorporates skin contact and whole bunches in the fermentation, but is a very mild version without too much grip.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFrom the Platter Guide's Newcomer of the Year 2022, The Vineyard party is one of South Africa's most exciting new micro-producers! Winemaker Jolette Steyn seeks out sustainably farmed vineyards that prioritise biodiversity, and works with avant-garde, low intervention techniques in the cellar. Both unusually named wines come with wonderful stories behind them too. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"I'm your Huckleberry\" has two meanings: it is a phrase from a nineties Western, called Tombstone, and a particular scene where Val Kilmer's character shows up to a duel and delivers this line. It signifies acceptance of a challenge, saying 'I'm the one you're looking for'; 'Call me, I'll answer'; 'Tell me where, I'll show up\/I'll be there', 'I'm it'. So, in part, it's a chat between Sémillon and herself, saying 'Let's do this, let's be there, let's show up!' It was also the name of a black Labrador whom Jolette loved dearly, and part of the team of her favourite and most influential harvest team in a small town called Lompoc in California.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"THE VINEYARD PARTY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54863532589442,"sku":"A1226122","price":18.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_66b97ed9-68d9-4403-a4b2-01c59490712e.jpg?v=1742381985"},{"product_id":"the-vineyard-party-daisy-if-you-do-2022","title":"Daisy If You Do The Vineyard Party 2022","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlatter’s Wine Guide 2022 - Newcomer Winery of the Year\u003c\/strong\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCool, refreshing and yet firm with a spine. On a hot day, at a well-laden outdoor table, this would be heaven. It’s so much more substantial than most Sauvignons. Well made! Should develop well.\"Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFrom the Platter Guide's Newcomer of the Year 2022, The Vineyard party is one of South Africa's most exciting new micro-producers! Winemaker Jolette Steyn seeks out sustainably farmed vineyards that prioritise biodiversity, and works with avant-garde, low intervention techniques in the cellar. Both unusually named wines come with wonderful stories behind them too. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"I'm your Huckleberry\" has two meanings: it is a phrase from a nineties Western, called Tombstone, and a particular scene where Val Kilmer's character shows up to a duel and delivers this line. It signifies acceptance of a challenge, saying 'I'm the one you're looking for'; 'Call me, I'll answer'; 'Tell me where, I'll show up\/I'll be there', 'I'm it'. So, in part, it's a chat between Sémillon and herself, saying 'Let's do this, let's be there, let's show up!' It was also the name of a black Labrador whom Jolette loved dearly, and part of the team of her favourite and most influential harvest team in a small town called Lompoc in California.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"THE VINEYARD PARTY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54863538061698,"sku":"A1236122","price":19.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_5b62e6c0-6c5c-4ea0-ad9e-eb61d3f8e3f6.png?v=1733409789"},{"product_id":"blank-bottle-orbitofrontal-cortex-2023","title":"Orbitofrontal Cortex Blank Bottle 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 points, Tim Atkin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe fruits of an eccentric scientific experiment some years before, that saw a team of neuroscientists attaching probes to Pieter's scalp and skin as he blind tasted 21 samples and blended wines according. The orbitofrontal cortex is the conscious part of your brain, and thus, this is a wacky white blend produced from all the components that Pieter and his assistant like the best. Not necessarily \"the best\" technically, but their favourite barrel and tank selections from a host of sites and varieties across the winelands. It's young on release, with hint of shortbread, fresh cut apple, with a creamy, almond loaded palate, hint of honey and pithy note, with a very long finish. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis, the 2023, Pieter is absolutely thrilled with. As are we! 12 varietals from his favourite barrel samples culminate to this absolute gem, with Chenin, Verdelho and Chardonnay to name but a few featuring grapes.\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":54913354957186,"sku":"A2616123","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_a7ca0411-ee23-4899-8524-3d63f848bcd2.jpg?v=1742382419"},{"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=1775722992"},{"product_id":"blank-bottle-familiemoord-2024","title":"Familiemoord Blank Bottle 2023","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":"Default Title","offer_id":55036377891202,"sku":"A5136123","price":29.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Familiemoord23.jpg?v=1760452757"},{"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=1750863465"},{"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\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. 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":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_7af96a95-0c17-4a52-98d1-40146c16de48.jpg?v=1747130878"},{"product_id":"tembela-wines-syrah-2024","title":"Tembela Wines Syrah 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eVintage on vintage, you can feel Banele gaining experience and finding his voice as a winemaker. We loved his very first wines too, but they are entering a new level that is extremely exciting and we're so happy for him. This 2024 is magnificent. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery fine, elegant and not big and over ripe, but still possessing guts, beautiful guts! It's very much in the restrained Northern Rhone Hermitage kind of style, with fine pepper notes. The grapes come from one of the most sought after sources in Stellenbosch. Banele is getting noticed and we couldn't be happier for him - both Neal Martin of Vinous.com and Tim Atkin MW have praised his wines, and Banele was commissioned by the Tate Modern in London, to make a wine for the launch of a year of modern African art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eBanele (pronounce Ba-nel-ee) 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 nearly 6 years, just finishing with him before Christmas to fully focus on his own project, supported and encouraged to do so by Savage himself. Banele has named his wine after his late mother, Tembela, which means faith, hope and belief. The label pays tribute to women wearing traditional Xhosa attire carrying wine barrels. \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"TEMBELA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55277462061442,"sku":"A4456124","price":34.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_2782e63f-817a-4b72-9a6d-1383311d54e7.png?v=1749568378"},{"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-luuks-2024","title":"Luuks Chardonnay Blank Bottle 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e'...a cool-climate, ripe, and dramatic Chardonnay with perfect oak augmentation, and it is breath-takingly delicious.'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Matthew Jukes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuuks - it keeps getting better and better! Now in its forth release, this is at first smoky and tense, coupled with just the right level of opulence - clotted cream, crunchy biscuits and chiffon cake, white flowers and buttered toast too. Very broad and long. So well-balanced, and with a long future ahead of it. The name comes from the barrel it was aged in: the first ever new barrel that Pieter bought. Luuks roughly translates from Afrikaans to 'lux' or 'luxury' in English and it became a bit of a nickname for this wine aged in their fancy new barrel.  \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":55348595229058,"sku":"A6536124","price":37.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_fe6fcb91-227d-4e85-bd3e-58e7388e7a22.jpg?v=1751276120"},{"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":"curator-white-red-dozen","title":"Curator White \u0026 Red Dozen","description":"\u003cp\u003eHave you noticed how little currency the term 'house wine' has these days? There was once a time when a house wine was a symbol of pride, marking a restaurant's credibility, a statement of quality and spreader of guzzle-able joy to diners however modest their purse strings. This idea went out the window many years ago, it seems... Well, in the spirit of the past, Curator is a wine that revives it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe want you to imagine Adi Badenhorst's The Curator as a house wine to be proud in your house: always reliable, supremely affordable, a wine you can drink with reckless abandon.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CURATOR","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55608048648578,"sku":"MIXCURATOR12","price":119.4,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_44022eec-80a5-49ca-bc38-04da986a6dd2.jpg?v=1756468582"},{"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=1757068132"},{"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":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_b87f0c78-fec0-4639-b664-de8056e358fc.jpg?v=1757515349"},{"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=1760519716"},{"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":29.5,"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":32.0,"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=1776775026"},{"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-white-2024","title":"Savage White 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA maximum of 2 bottles per customer.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'...the peerless SBS which just seems to get finer and finer as the years drift by'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e - Matthew Jukes. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-teams=\"true\"\u003e'This is the fifteenth vintage of Duncan Savage's icon white and it's up there with his best releases. Combining Sauvignon Blanc and 21% Semillon from three different sites, it's an effortlessly complex, self-assured blend with fine lees, layers of blackcurrant leaf, seaweed and lime, subtle wood and a savoury, salty undertone. Sublime stuff. 2027-32. 97 points.' Tim Atkin MW\u003c\/span\u003e\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":55824759259522,"sku":"A1076124","price":39.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_b385076c-09b8-4ab8-849a-52aa91146582.jpg?v=1760537087"},{"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=1760537268"},{"product_id":"follow-the-line-savage-2024","title":"Follow The Line Savage 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum of 3 bottles per customer.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\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":"thief-in-the-night-savage-2024","title":"Thief In The Night Savage 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA maximum of 2 bottles per customer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'...the weightless, amaro-soaked Grenache'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e- Matthew Jukes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'96 points\u003cstrong\u003e - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; color: black;\"\u003eDesigned to show what Duncan Savage calls the \"purity and power\" of Grenache from remote Piekenierskloof, this is a superb dryland red that was fermented wit14.h 20% whole clusters. Zesty, refined and intensely stony, it has the freshness of a cool site at 704 metres, fynbos and potpourri aromas and layers of bramble, pomegranate and red cherry. 2026-33.' \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; color: black; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;\"\u003eTim Atkin MW\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; color: black;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\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":55825166729602,"sku":"A1106124","price":39.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_1c9ab8d1-9c4e-4191-8956-ef6bc8c861ea.jpg?v=1760541524"},{"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":true}],"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=1767717308"},{"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":"buiten-blanc-buitenverwachting-2025","title":"Buiten Blanc Buitenverwachting 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Buiten Blanc is wonderful. It's got nettles and blackcurrant on the nose and it's fruity and upbeat on the palate. I adore it. It's got that absolutely fabulous Constantia Sauvignon note that's less pungent than the Marlborough, NZ, style, but it's still nicely overt and brilliantly refreshing. The price is amazing.\u003c\/span\u003e\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":56167415611778,"sku":"A2916125","price":11.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_e66e3245-7141-4d12-a0df-7b5a99bd6212.png?v=1767779175"},{"product_id":"meifort-buitenverwachting-2023","title":"Meifort Buitenverwachting 2023","description":"\u003cp align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuperb Cape Bordeaux blend that you can put against wines that cost a great deal more.  A warmth and charm on first nosing: lovely gentle brush, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebaked plums, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecocoa, and a scattering of fennel seeds and a tinge of old wood and bramble fruit. There's such a deft touch to the palate - it has a lovely lift and the most delectable dark chocolate minty note coupled with warm herbal tones, like putting your nose into a paper bag of the best Isle of Wight tomatoes, and some pipe tobacco. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, 18% Malbec \u0026amp; 12% Petit Verdot, aged in barrel for 2 years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"center\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe love our visits to Buitenverwachting, set in Constantia’s oldest and most prized vineyard, as much for the people as for its wines and beautiful setting. The ever-genial host and owner, Lars Maack, is always smiling. He is joined by Brad Paton, who is one of the most lovely and talented winemakers around.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BUITENVERWACHTING","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56167417414018,"sku":"A2956123","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_fe8a90ed-a4a8-4c28-8b7f-ec399b47f377.png?v=1767779276"},{"product_id":"christine-buitenverwachting-2018","title":"Christine Buitenverwachting 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eMore arriving in May 2026. Buitenverwachting' 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=1748520682"},{"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=1767869457"},{"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"}],"url":"https:\/\/swig.co.uk\/collections\/country-south-africa\/region-mornington-peninsula.oembed","provider":"Swig Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}