Tim Atkin MW (95)

You know class when you taste it, and this is certainly that. Deservedly established as one of South Africa's most consistently outstanding Chardonnays, this has the structure and concentration to age, with no malolactic at all, 22% new wood and complex, nuanced, stony flavours of lemon zest, oatmeal and stone fruit – Drinking to 2028

IWSC (97)

Very classy wine with nicely judged oak that adds vanilla spice to the tropical fruit and toffee apple flavours. Perfectly poised with crisp acidity and an elegant, long finish.

True to its terroir, the Brunia Syrah Walker Bay 2018 merits a noteworthy place in the collection of seasoned oenophiles. This Syrah is lovingly produced in the cool climate of the Walker Bay region, South Africa — a veritable paradise for viticulture. The winemaker, Brunia Wines, an uncompromising artisan renowned for championing sustainability through minimal intervention, imbues this vintage with authentic character.

The Brunia Syrah Walker Bay 2018 skillfully balances bold, aromatic side with elegant, juicy fruit flavours. The deliberate use of whole-bunch fermentation generates pronounced savoury facets, accented by supple tannins and a gratifying length. A slumber of 10 months on French Oak provides a mellowed sophistication, making this wine a testament to Brunia's commitment to harness the very best of the grape.

Mature yet vibrant, layered yet fine-tuned, Brunia Syrah Walker Bay 2018 is an assertive addition to any discerning wine enthusiast's collection, encapsulating the essence of South Africa's stellar wine craftsmanship.

Admire the exquisite character of the Brunia White Walker Bay 2018. Produced in the cool-climate region of Walker Bay, South Africa, this formidable wine is an example of exceptional winemaking. The Brunia family's passion and heritage run deep in each bottle. Their dedication to sustainable farming and minimal intervention winemaking has resulted in an authentic wine of superior quality.

The 2018 vintage flaunts a remarkable golden hue, hinting at the complexity within. It’s a harmonious blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier, encouraging a superb balance of acidity and opulent fruit flavours. Notes of ripe pear, honeyed apricot, and clean minerality reward the palate, whilst a crème brûlée finish hints at the delicate oak maturation.

To enjoy the Brunia White Walker Bay 2018 to its full potential, allow it to breathe before serving it modestly chilled. Whether experienced as an aperitif or with a meal, this wine is a delightful companion to your culinary journey.

Christian Eedes (94)

Matured in 300-litre barrels, of which 24% were first-fill, the wine is, to put it briefly, elegant. Floral perfume, pear, citrus, a touch of vanilla and spice and the merest hint of flinty reduction on the nose while the palate shows good fruit definition, present but inconspicuous acidity, and a gently savoury finish. Relatively light-bodied (alc: 13.5%) and yet still intricate.

Christian Eedes (94)

Matured in 300-litre barrels, of which 24% were first-fill, the wine is, to put it briefly, elegant. Floral perfume, pear, citrus, a touch of vanilla and spice and the merest hint of flinty reduction on the nose while the palate shows good fruit definition, present but inconspicuous acidity, and a gently savoury finish. Relatively light-bodied (alc: 13.5%) and yet still intricate.

Tim Atkin MW (96)

Bouncing back from the fires in 2019 - and then some - this is the best young Pinot Noir release I've tasted from Hamilton Russell. Representing a subtle shift in style towards greater perfume and fruit, this is a detailed, finely judged blend of clones 113, 115 and 667, with svelte tannins, tidy acidity, rose petal top notes and skilfully integrated oak.

Christian Eedes (94)

Grapes from multiple blocks on the farm, each with a slightly different soil structure but essentially granite based. Limited whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 29% new. Exotic aromatics of red and black berries, orange, earth and a touch of reduction. Impressive depth of fruit, bright acidity and fine-grained, tight-knit tannins. Rich but balanced, this is Pinot at its most seductive. Alc: 14%.

Tim Atkin MW (96)

"I fell in love with Chardonnay through Chablis," says Craig Wessels and you can see that influence here. Reflecting the coolness of the 2021 vintage, this is taut, focused, stony and engagingly mouth-watering, with effortless concentration, notes of brine, lanolin and lemon juice and extra layers of complexity from old barrels and amphoras.

Tim Atkin MW (95)

Craig Wessels doesn’t always get the praise he deserves for this Pinot Noir, which is often among the best in the Hemel-en-Aarde region. Intense, layered and well structured, it has a hint of good reduction, plum, raspberry and black cherry fruit, vibrant acidity and subtle sweetness from 30% new barrels. One to cellar.

Tim Atkin MW (94)

Named after the two blocks that supply its raw material, Main Road & Dignity is a very rare example of a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon from the Hemel-en-Aarde region. Picked late in a cool site, it has cassis, bay leaf, fresh herb and damson flavours, grippy tannins, appealing zip and freshness and the concentration to age.

Tim Atkin MW (94)

The Vrede Chardonnay uses grapes from the same site in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as the Pinot Noir of the same name. Made with the popular CY95 clone, this shows none of the heat of the 2022 vintage, reflecting the subtlety of Hannes Storm's winemaking. Sappy, mineral and refreshing, it combines scented 25% new oak with citrus, oatmeal and pear flavours and a lingering finish.

Tim Atkin MW (97)

Now including 20% of the 777 clone, alongside its habitual 115 base, Vrede comes from red clay soils with a high iron component. Seductively perfumed, this stunning red has fine tannins, fleshy, opulent flavours of strawberry and redcurrant, finely judged 35% new wood and undertones of rose petal and forest floor. One of the greatest ever Cape Pinot Noirs.