{"title":"Stellenbosch","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"keermont-topside-syrah-2017","title":"Keermont Topside Syrah 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 points, Tim Atkin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSitting 350m above sea level on the west-facing slope of the Stellenbosch mountain, the Topside vineyard's elevation, exposure and the rocky sandstone-granite soils all lend a spicy character and fine tannin structure to the wine. With dense, darker briar-led fruit, some pretty floral aromas melding with anise, herbs and fine, sandy tannins, this is a Syrah with plenty of years in the tank for the future to come. \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":43083146854585,"sku":"SKEE05R7517","price":44.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/products\/Keermont_Topside_Syrah_1afc90a7-1d6c-4dc2-b08c-f4fea9c5a959.jpg?v=1671803243"},{"product_id":"blank-bottle-seelug-2022","title":"Seelug Chardonnay Blank Bottle 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe grapes were picked at optimal ripeness and cooled overnight to 4 degrees celsius. The next morning the grapes were pressed as whole bunches. The juice underwent spontaneous fermentation in older French oak as well as 40% new barrels. Deep winter the wine received one sulfur addition. 10 months on the leese, blended and bottled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003cbr\u003e\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":43545763348665,"sku":"A1466122","price":37.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_537054a9-426f-4d0b-98cc-1fc627dcf373.png?v=1742577025"},{"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":"blank-bottle-empire-strikes-back-2022","title":"Empire Strikes Back Blank Bottle 2022","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWith its revolutionary influenced label, The Empire Strikes Back tells the story of Pieter leaping to the defence of Stellenbosch, the original old guard and ‘empire’ of South African wine, in its fightback against the trendy new kid on the block, the Swartland. Now here’s a white with plenty in the tank for the years to come. It’s subtle on the nose to start, offering sprays of spring apple blossom, tarte fine layered with pears and ground almonds, clementines, proper cloudy apple juice and a lingering anise note. As it opens up, there’s some lychee and pineapple too, and the palate is grippy and with more of that lovely apple juice character that’s persistent all the way through to the finish. Tasting it over several days gives a glimpse to its future –we’d say drink now-2028. \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. 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\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"BLANK BOTTLE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44373743829177,"sku":"A3776122","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_16453188-4625-4433-a06f-4a04685854be.png?v=1742576982"},{"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":44.0,"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":"blank-bottle-jaaa-bru-2023","title":"Jaaa-Bru!! Blank Bottle 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you translate the word “Mal” from Afrikaans to English, it means “crazy” and “Bek” means “mouth”. And that was quite clearly the inspiration behind this label! And as you guessed it, this is a 100% Malbec from the Helderberg, farmed by a fellow surfer and good friend's of Pieter. Dark chocolate dipped oranges, with some minty notes, violets and a sweet perfume akin to opening a box of chocolates on the nose. Medium-full bodied, and very much so showing the softer, prettier side of Malbec, with gentle tannins, good freshness, and a lovely rounded mouthfeel.\u003c\/span\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":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":54913358201218,"sku":"A5146123","price":32.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_606083f2-f4f6-43ac-a24f-6e9c9de8b829.png?v=1743067156"},{"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":34.0,"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":"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":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_2782e63f-817a-4b72-9a6d-1383311d54e7.png?v=1749568378"},{"product_id":"tembela-wines-chenin-blanc-2024","title":"Tembela Wines Chenin Blanc 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautiful example of Chenin Blanc from rising star winemaker Banele Vakele. Gorgeous and textured on the palate with notes of orange and beeswax. Mineral and classy. This is SA Chenin at its best. 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.#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TEMBELA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55277473071490,"sku":"A4446124","price":34.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_af935e2d-74ea-4556-a9c7-ec93cb1b1d99.png?v=1749568568"},{"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":"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":26.95,"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":"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":"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":"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":"keermont-amphitheatre-2018","title":"Keermont Amphitheatre 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"Amphitheatre is Keermont's flagship red blend, produced from an assemblage of more or less equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc with 15% Syrah, 14% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec and 1% Mourvèdre. Ripe, full-bodied and intense, it has stylish, perfumed oak, cassis, bramble and red berry flavours and some underlying tannic grip. 2025-30\" \u003cstrong\u003e93pts 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KEERMONT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56163891937666,"sku":"A5056118","price":49.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_525ce43c-52e7-4d43-aaee-093efc3e6a09.jpg?v=1767721630"},{"product_id":"keermont-syrah-2019","title":"Keermont Syrah 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eSourced from three different vineyards, and with a drop of Mourvedre added to the blend, it is inky in colour and with dark fruit, but surprisingly nimble - violets, mulberries and a little sizzling bacon fat. On the palate there's fabulous hot cross bun flavours - all candied peel and baking spice and pepper, matched with savoury fynbos and brush and a little caraway. The finish is very fine with refreshing acidity and a certain crunchiness to the fruit. Delish!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeermont Estate may well take the prize for most beautiful vineyards and views in all of South Africa. And yup, there's some pretty stiff competition! Nestled in a natural amphitheatre between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, their ambition is to produce wines that reflect the natural wonders of this exquisite place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KEERMONT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56226000634242,"sku":"A1536119","price":29.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_6d109672-e551-446a-aa1d-1d1df0ec7897.jpg?v=1768564163"},{"product_id":"boekenhoutskloof-stellenbosch-cabernet-sauvignon-2023","title":"Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"...with stunning, sleek fruit and a surprisingly plush outlook...Silky, layered, discreet, and charming, there is gentleness here, and it is irresistibly appealing.\" - 18\/20 Matthew Jukes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerhaps their most impressive work, given the Helderberg's rainfall in late harvest. It really hasn't stopped them delivering a delicious and high potential Cab. The conditions might be why I felt it had more of a nod to Claret then I expected, just in its delicate perfume and sensitivity. Just a nudge of mint on the nose. Nicely ripe in fruit, with pure black plum, blackcurrant and a little chocolate. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56588082676098,"sku":"A3506123","price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_410af0eb-bf69-4335-8ea3-15a330705e37.jpg?v=1777020072"},{"product_id":"luuks-chardonnay-blank-bottle-2025","title":"Luuks Chardonnay Blank Bottle 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003eLuuks once again continues on its dazzling upward trajectory! Now in its fifth 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":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56650190946690,"sku":"A6536125","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_f8debaed-c4f1-402d-995c-bf4381e6ef19.jpg?v=1778746577"},{"product_id":"seelug-chardonnay-blank-bottle-2024","title":"Seelug Chardonnay Blank Bottle 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"...an oceanfacing vineyard on the Helderberg and is appealingly restrained and refreshing, with a note of sea breeze, lemongrass and oatmeal flavours and stylish 40% new wood.\" 94pts, Tim Atkin MW\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe grapes were picked at optimal ripeness and cooled overnight to 4 degrees celsius. The next morning the grapes were pressed as whole bunches. The juice underwent spontaneous fermentation in older French oak as well as 40% new barrels. Deep winter the wine received one sulfur addition. 10 months on the leese, blended and bottled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003cbr\u003e\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":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56650195894658,"sku":"A1466124","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_2e976848-6aca-425a-9cb2-4d89d860de4c.png?v=1778746981"}],"url":"https:\/\/swig.co.uk\/collections\/stellenbosch\/fortified.oembed","provider":"Swig Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}