South Africa
At the bottom of its great continent, South Africa is a country of unlimited natural advantages. With the confluence of two oceans at the Cape, the sheltering effect of inland mountain chains and some of the most dynamic soils in the world, every piece is in place for the production of fine wine. The most well-known region has historically been Stellenbosch, but it is the wines of Swartland that have really turned South African wine on its head in recent years.
The wine industry is in the midst of a renaissance with classically styled wines making full advantage of remarkable terroir and an adventurous spirit. As a result, South Africa is producing some truly exceptional wines of great character and value. Striking blockbuster Syrahs and Bordeaux blends to full bodied Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc are some of this great nation’s offerings. South Africa’s own grape, Pinotage, leaves critics divided yet can produce excellent single-variety offerings as well as distinguished Cape blends.
South Africa
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£355.24 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (TA) |
Inc. VAT
£325.24 |
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Tim Atkin MW (93)A skilfully blended and packaged wine that manages to shift large volumes at an extremely profitable price, The Chocolate Block is a clever assemblage of mostly Syrah from the Goldmine and Porseleinberg vineyards with 9% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. Fleshy, perfumed and smooth, it has sweet goji berry and summer pudding fruit, velvety tannins, scented cinnamon oak and a fresh, lifted finish. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£336.04 |
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Vinous (93)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek, matured for 22 months in 80% new French barriques, has a fresh, marine-influenced bouquet that I feel has a little more complexity than the Stellenbosch. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, lightly spiced with black pepper and bay leaf, and very focused, leading to a bright and quite structured finish. This has more class and nuance than its Stellenbosch counterpart. |
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Coastal Region | 4 | 19+ (MJ) |
Inc. VAT
£380.44 |
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Matthew Jukes (19+)The nose on this outstanding wine reminds me of an elite Cabernet from another part of the world – Frankland River in Western Australia. There is more than a hint of ‘Houghton Jack Mann’ on the perfume and palate of this wine’s sensational 25th-anniversary release. Underpinning the profoundly deep black fruit notes is a sense of earthiness and energy that allows the blackberry and blackcurrant flavours to soar. With 70% new French oak on board, which has been folded away perfectly into the heart of this mighty wine, there is an extra dimension of flavour here thanks to the addition of a soupcon of Cabernet Franc. Only a handful of South African wines manage to capture this noble grape’s true essence while maintaining a compelling sense of stylishness. 2020 CSF does this in spades and it will continue to do so for two decades. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 99 (TA) |
Inc. VAT
£319.24 |
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Tim Atkin MW (99)Boekenhoutskloof has always made impressive, age-worthy Semillons, but Gottfried Mocke has taken the 2020 to another level of complexity. Using grapes from three old parcels, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, with the largest component from the legendary La Colline vineyard, this includes 2% Muscat d'Alexandrie and some field blended Semillon Gris. Fermented in two thirds new wood, with the rest seeing concrete eggs and amphoras, it's one of the greatest ever Cape whites. Stony, flinty and layered, with wax, lemongrass and nutmeg flavours and subtle struck match reduction. Wow! |
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Coastal Region | 10 | - |
Inc. VAT
£207.64 |
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Diemersfontein The Original Pinotage 2021 is the embodiment of elegant sophistication. Produced in the historic Wellington region of South Africa, this divine single varietal wine is handcrafted by the acclaimed Diemersfontein Wine Estate. Renowned for their unrivalled dedication to quality, the Diemersfontein team meticulously harvest Pinotage grapes at optimal ripeness to fashion a wine brimming with character. The intensive fermentation process coupled with a carefully measured maturation period in French and American oak barrels delivers a wine with a delightful complexity. Diemersfontein The Original Pinotage 2021 presents an intoxicating fusion of rich dark chocolate, ripe plum, and delicate hints of coffee on the nose. With a lush, velvety palate carrying nuances of black fruit and a captivating finish, it truly encapsulates the grace of the Pinotage variety. Suitable for ageing, Diemersfontein The Original Pinotage 2021 is a magnificent representation of the estate's wine-making artistry, helping to uphold their exemplary reputation within the global viticulture community. |
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Coastal Region | 100 | 87 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£548.44 |
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Wine Advocate (87)The 2011 Eisen & Viljoen has a better set of aromatics than the 2012: blackberry, sage and graphite scents, quite reserved but nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe black fruit mixed with blueberry and graphite. Like the 2012, there seems to be just a touch of bitterness on the finish, though not as procounced as the ensuing vintage, but detracting from what could have been a better wine. Re-tasting in South Africa with the owners, unfortunately I found the same thing. There were just 11 barrels produced. |
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Coastal Region | 5 | 86 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£555.64 |
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Wine Advocate (86)The 2012 Eisen & Viljoen has a well defined, quite focused bouquet with blackberry, smoke, cedar and undergrowth scents that have a Left Bank-like flair. The palate is medium-bodied with quite dense black fruit, and is nicely balanced, but I noticed a green note on the finish that knocks over what could have been a fine wine. That's a shame. I would be intrigued to taste another vintage. |
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Coastal Region | 15 | - |
Inc. VAT
£440.44 |
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The Normandie Eisen & Viljoen 2013 boasts an exquisite finesse known only to ne plus ultra wines. Crafted with meticulous precision in the prestigious vineyards of Franschhoek, South Africa, this blend masterfully embodies the quintessence of its terroir. This elegant representation is primarily composed of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, showcasing exceptional complexity and depth. The pioneering producers, Normandie Estate with talents Drs. Jan Viljoen and Suzette Viljoen Eisen at helm, guarantee viticulture excellence. Rich tastes of blackberry, currant, and chocolate delight the palate, resulting in a lingering full-bodied finish. Maturation took place over 18 months in French oak barrels, further refining its sophisticated profile. The Normandie Eisen & Viljoen 2013 exemplifies the pinnacle of South African wine, promising a captivating experience for any discerning connoisseur. A worthy addition to your collection if there ever was one. |
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Coastal Region | 2 | 92 (TA) |
Inc. VAT
£146.69 |
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Tim Atkin MW (92)Now into its third vintage - and showing its highest alcohol yet at a towering 11% alcohol - this very rare Cinsault Blanc is sourced from a 0.2-hectare parcel on granite in Wellington. Naturally fermented in clay amphorae, it's salty and very fresh, with lemongrass and citrus peel flavours. 2021-25 |
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Coastal Region | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£146.44 |
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Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017. This majestic South African vintage is produced from venerable old bush vines in the Franschhoek Valley. Expertly crafted by winemaking duo John and Tasha Seccombe, it exudes an expression of fruit purity without parallel. Handpicked grapes, gentle basket pressing, and oak fermentation contribute to its distinctive profile. Bright straw in colour, the wine's bouquet is ripe with star-fruit and fennel notes, while the palate enchants with a brilliant interplay of concentrated citrus, waxy apple textures, and salivating acidity. Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017 sets itself apart in its elegance, complexity, and a clear representation of its terroir. This wine celebrates the creators' love for Semillon, offering a beguiling liquid testament to the couple's commitment to produce South African wines, unmatched in precision, purity, and nuance. |
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Coastal Region | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£146.44 |
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Emanating from the esteemed Thorne & Daughters, Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is a quintessential example of old vine Semillon richness. This wine is meticulously crafted by John and Tasha Seccombe, who founded Thorne & Daughters in the Western Cape of South Africa in 2012. The Seccombes carefully select grapes from remarkable old vineyards across the beautiful Cape, using minimal intervention to elicit the essence of their terroir. The Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is produced from old Whole Berry Pressed Semillon Gris vines, aged for 10 months on its fine lees in neutral oak. The wine exudes elegance with its splendid textures and refined fruit profile -predominantly apple and quince- underscored by a streak of savoury, saline complexity. Its appealing acidity and focused finish lend it an exquisite balance. Relish the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2018's immense depth and personality, a wraparound experience of quality South African wine at its finest. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£221.09 |
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Indulge in the splendour of the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021. Hailing from the esteemed Swartland region of South Africa, this unique semillon was crafted by celebrated husband and wife team, John and Tasha Seccombe. Their dedication to artisanal winemaking is vividly expressed in this dawn-picked, whole-bunch pressed, and spontaneous fermented vine treasure. Renowned for its strict selection of old vine parcels, the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021 champions a harmonious union of quality and character. Expect a stunning expression of ripe pear and apricot notes, fused with subtle hints of crushed river pebbles and fragrant elderflower. Acidity is expertly balanced, leading into a lingering, mineral finish. With only a limited production run, this wine is a testament to the winemaker’s meticulous attention to detail, and impeccable sense of timing. The Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021 is a tasteful masterpiece befitting the discerning palates of fine wine connoisseurs. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
£280.00 |
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|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (TA) |
In Bond
£255.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (93)A skilfully blended and packaged wine that manages to shift large volumes at an extremely profitable price, The Chocolate Block is a clever assemblage of mostly Syrah from the Goldmine and Porseleinberg vineyards with 9% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. Fleshy, perfumed and smooth, it has sweet goji berry and summer pudding fruit, velvety tannins, scented cinnamon oak and a fresh, lifted finish. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£264.00 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek, matured for 22 months in 80% new French barriques, has a fresh, marine-influenced bouquet that I feel has a little more complexity than the Stellenbosch. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, lightly spiced with black pepper and bay leaf, and very focused, leading to a bright and quite structured finish. This has more class and nuance than its Stellenbosch counterpart. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 4 | 19+ (MJ) |
In Bond
£301.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19+)The nose on this outstanding wine reminds me of an elite Cabernet from another part of the world – Frankland River in Western Australia. There is more than a hint of ‘Houghton Jack Mann’ on the perfume and palate of this wine’s sensational 25th-anniversary release. Underpinning the profoundly deep black fruit notes is a sense of earthiness and energy that allows the blackberry and blackcurrant flavours to soar. With 70% new French oak on board, which has been folded away perfectly into the heart of this mighty wine, there is an extra dimension of flavour here thanks to the addition of a soupcon of Cabernet Franc. Only a handful of South African wines manage to capture this noble grape’s true essence while maintaining a compelling sense of stylishness. 2020 CSF does this in spades and it will continue to do so for two decades. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 99 (TA) |
In Bond
£250.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (99)Boekenhoutskloof has always made impressive, age-worthy Semillons, but Gottfried Mocke has taken the 2020 to another level of complexity. Using grapes from three old parcels, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, with the largest component from the legendary La Colline vineyard, this includes 2% Muscat d'Alexandrie and some field blended Semillon Gris. Fermented in two thirds new wood, with the rest seeing concrete eggs and amphoras, it's one of the greatest ever Cape whites. Stony, flinty and layered, with wax, lemongrass and nutmeg flavours and subtle struck match reduction. Wow! |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 10 | - |
In Bond
£157.00 |
|||||
|
Diemersfontein The Original Pinotage 2021 is the embodiment of elegant sophistication. Produced in the historic Wellington region of South Africa, this divine single varietal wine is handcrafted by the acclaimed Diemersfontein Wine Estate. Renowned for their unrivalled dedication to quality, the Diemersfontein team meticulously harvest Pinotage grapes at optimal ripeness to fashion a wine brimming with character. The intensive fermentation process coupled with a carefully measured maturation period in French and American oak barrels delivers a wine with a delightful complexity. Diemersfontein The Original Pinotage 2021 presents an intoxicating fusion of rich dark chocolate, ripe plum, and delicate hints of coffee on the nose. With a lush, velvety palate carrying nuances of black fruit and a captivating finish, it truly encapsulates the grace of the Pinotage variety. Suitable for ageing, Diemersfontein The Original Pinotage 2021 is a magnificent representation of the estate's wine-making artistry, helping to uphold their exemplary reputation within the global viticulture community. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 100 | 87 (WA) |
In Bond
£441.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (87)The 2011 Eisen & Viljoen has a better set of aromatics than the 2012: blackberry, sage and graphite scents, quite reserved but nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe black fruit mixed with blueberry and graphite. Like the 2012, there seems to be just a touch of bitterness on the finish, though not as procounced as the ensuing vintage, but detracting from what could have been a better wine. Re-tasting in South Africa with the owners, unfortunately I found the same thing. There were just 11 barrels produced. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 5 | 86 (WA) |
In Bond
£447.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (86)The 2012 Eisen & Viljoen has a well defined, quite focused bouquet with blackberry, smoke, cedar and undergrowth scents that have a Left Bank-like flair. The palate is medium-bodied with quite dense black fruit, and is nicely balanced, but I noticed a green note on the finish that knocks over what could have been a fine wine. That's a shame. I would be intrigued to taste another vintage. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 15 | - |
In Bond
£351.00 |
|||||
|
The Normandie Eisen & Viljoen 2013 boasts an exquisite finesse known only to ne plus ultra wines. Crafted with meticulous precision in the prestigious vineyards of Franschhoek, South Africa, this blend masterfully embodies the quintessence of its terroir. This elegant representation is primarily composed of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, showcasing exceptional complexity and depth. The pioneering producers, Normandie Estate with talents Drs. Jan Viljoen and Suzette Viljoen Eisen at helm, guarantee viticulture excellence. Rich tastes of blackberry, currant, and chocolate delight the palate, resulting in a lingering full-bodied finish. Maturation took place over 18 months in French oak barrels, further refining its sophisticated profile. The Normandie Eisen & Viljoen 2013 exemplifies the pinnacle of South African wine, promising a captivating experience for any discerning connoisseur. A worthy addition to your collection if there ever was one. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 2 | 92 (TA) |
In Bond
£103.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (92)Now into its third vintage - and showing its highest alcohol yet at a towering 11% alcohol - this very rare Cinsault Blanc is sourced from a 0.2-hectare parcel on granite in Wellington. Naturally fermented in clay amphorae, it's salty and very fresh, with lemongrass and citrus peel flavours. 2021-25 |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 2 | - |
In Bond
£106.00 |
|||||
|
Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017. This majestic South African vintage is produced from venerable old bush vines in the Franschhoek Valley. Expertly crafted by winemaking duo John and Tasha Seccombe, it exudes an expression of fruit purity without parallel. Handpicked grapes, gentle basket pressing, and oak fermentation contribute to its distinctive profile. Bright straw in colour, the wine's bouquet is ripe with star-fruit and fennel notes, while the palate enchants with a brilliant interplay of concentrated citrus, waxy apple textures, and salivating acidity. Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017 sets itself apart in its elegance, complexity, and a clear representation of its terroir. This wine celebrates the creators' love for Semillon, offering a beguiling liquid testament to the couple's commitment to produce South African wines, unmatched in precision, purity, and nuance. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 2 | - |
In Bond
£106.00 |
|||||
|
Emanating from the esteemed Thorne & Daughters, Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is a quintessential example of old vine Semillon richness. This wine is meticulously crafted by John and Tasha Seccombe, who founded Thorne & Daughters in the Western Cape of South Africa in 2012. The Seccombes carefully select grapes from remarkable old vineyards across the beautiful Cape, using minimal intervention to elicit the essence of their terroir. The Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is produced from old Whole Berry Pressed Semillon Gris vines, aged for 10 months on its fine lees in neutral oak. The wine exudes elegance with its splendid textures and refined fruit profile -predominantly apple and quince- underscored by a streak of savoury, saline complexity. Its appealing acidity and focused finish lend it an exquisite balance. Relish the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2018's immense depth and personality, a wraparound experience of quality South African wine at its finest. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
£165.00 |
|||||
|
Indulge in the splendour of the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021. Hailing from the esteemed Swartland region of South Africa, this unique semillon was crafted by celebrated husband and wife team, John and Tasha Seccombe. Their dedication to artisanal winemaking is vividly expressed in this dawn-picked, whole-bunch pressed, and spontaneous fermented vine treasure. Renowned for its strict selection of old vine parcels, the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021 champions a harmonious union of quality and character. Expect a stunning expression of ripe pear and apricot notes, fused with subtle hints of crushed river pebbles and fragrant elderflower. Acidity is expertly balanced, leading into a lingering, mineral finish. With only a limited production run, this wine is a testament to the winemaker’s meticulous attention to detail, and impeccable sense of timing. The Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021 is a tasteful masterpiece befitting the discerning palates of fine wine connoisseurs. |
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