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.
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South Africa
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN (NM)) |
Inc. VAT
£921.60 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (93)This bottle of the 2015 Columella is better than the one poured blind at the 10-Year-On tasting in London just a few weeks earlier. It has a floral bouquet with black plum, blueberry and light garrigue scents, the whole bunch imparting a subtle pepperiness. The palate is quite sweet on the entry, the tannins saturated and just a little glossier than the '12. Fine grip, but backward on the finish, suggesting that this will benefit from continued time in the cellar. Tasted at the Columella vertical in Hong Kong. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£879.12 |
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Vinous (93)The 2016 Columella was matured for 12 months in 10% new oak and then 12 months in old foudres. There is something warm and comforting about the nose: blueberry, crushed violet, a touch of burning embers, almost a damp clay scent. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin, the Syrah not as pronounced as previous vintages (a policy pursued by Eben as he increased Grenache), and delivering gentle grip toward the slightly peppered finish and long, black-pepper-tinged aftertaste. Very impressive. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (DC) |
Inc. VAT
£796.32 |
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Decanter (98)Complex nose already: beautifully exuberant nose of damsons and flowers – the Carignan really coming through at this early stage. A herbal, stemmy element is also quite noticeable but well balanced. Full-bodied on the palate but only just, with a lovely sense of fluidity, slightly granular tannins and fine acidity – everything is in its place, and is delicious now, but will improve and build further complexity. If possible, wait until 2026 to broach. Long, so expressive and unique. Various soils: granite, slate, clay, gravel. Three weeks' fermentation and three weeks maceration in 3,300L open-top concrete fermenters. Aged for 12 months on the lees in small barrels (5% new), then a further 12 months on fine lees in large wooden foudres. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£994.32 |
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Wine Advocate (98)From the first sniff, the 2020 Columella is an instant champion that is pointing and swinging for the fence. With its fresh frame of fruit and expertly layered oaky essences, the wine is incredibly complex as it bursts from the glass with precision and finesse. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, the Columella somersaults into a phantasmagoria of bright crunchy red fruit flavors and seductive floral essences that makes my head spin. Collectors will take note and add a couple of bottles of this to their cellar. It’s an absolutely stellar bottling that will age gracefully for decades. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£863.15 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£245.33 |
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Coastal Region | 3 | 97+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£957.20 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97+)Chenin Blanc vines for this wine were planted in 1905, so the winery believes, although the records are not totally clear. The site has decomposed granite over alluvial soils and quartz. These conditions add to the textural volume of The Sadie Family's 2023 Stellenbosch Old Vine Series Mev. Kirsten and its beautiful sense of phenolic richness. The bouquet is crisp and bright with crunchy fruit, pithy apple, pear and tart pomelo fruit that adds lasting freshness. The mouthfeel proceeds with silky viscosity and complexity that can only be achieved with old-vine fruit. However, the wine also manages impressive vertical lift and tension. Like the other white wines in this series, aging takes place for 12 months in old foudre. Given the growing conditions at a moderate 185 meters above sea level, the Mev. Kirsten carries the most fruit weight in this series of Chenin Blancs (or Steen) from different denominations. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£117.59 |
|||||
Vinous (96)The 2018 Pofadder in Eben Sadie’s Cinsault from Swartland. This is complex and intellectual, yet utterly compelling, with beautifully detailed brambly red berry fruit, fennel, thyme and fynbos scents that blossom with aeration. The very detailed palate displays filigreed tannins, incredible focus and arresting purity through to the lightly spiced finish. This is one of the best from Sadie this vintage. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£104.93 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (VN (NM)) |
Inc. VAT
£144.53 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (95)The 2017 Skerpioen has gotten even better compared to when I tasted it just after bottling. This has a glorious bouquet with scents of beeswax, yellow fruit, just a light touch of oatmeal, astounding delineation and freshness. The palate is fresh and saline, quite linear and, as I suggested back then, quite Chablis-like in terms of its marine/oyster shell influence. Tensile, tightly coiled on the finish, there is little not to love about this Chenin and Palomino blend. Tasted at the Columella vertical in Hong Kong. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£147.44 |
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Vinous (91)The 2018 Skerpioen, a field blend of Chenin Blanc and Palomino, has a detailed bouquet of pressed white flowers, honeysuckle and dried apricot aromas that blossom with aeration. The palate is taut and fresh, and the saline finish remains tight and linear, perhaps just tapering a little earlier than I might have liked. Otherwise, this is very fine. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£164.93 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2019 Skerpioen has a well-defined bouquet of pine cones, lanolin and wild fennel aromas that gains intensity with air. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, full of energy and vigor, and slightly waxy in texture. Chamomile and touches of Turkish delight appear on the finish. Stand back and watch this blossom in the glass. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£112.64 |
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|
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Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£114.53 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2021 Skerpioen is the Chenin Blanc and Palomino blend grown on limestone soils close to the coast that is matured in foudres with 10-11 months on the lees. It has a well-defined bouquet with iodine and saline notes on the nose that is slightly more neutral in style compared to Sadie's other whites. The palate is very well balanced, again, quite neutral in style, very saline with shades of nutmeg and lemon thyme, a saline tang surfacing towards the persistent finish. Uncompromising...in a positive sense of the word. |
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|
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Coastal Region | 1 | 94 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£510.80 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (94)The Sadie Family's 2023 Swartland Old Vine Series Skerpioen is Chenin Blanc and Palomino planted together on white limestone soils with a sandy top layer. The Chenin Blanc is picked on the underripe side, and the Palomino is picked ripe and golden yellow in color. "I am site-driven, not variety-driven," says Winemaker Eben Sadie. "My goal is to make the most honest wine from a singular site." I love the intensity of the Skerpioen, which is delivered vertically in terms of the brightness of its aromas and horizontally in terms of the pretty richness of the mouthfeel. There are hints of waxy Meyer lemon, sea salt and a hint of rubber latex. It matures in old acacia and oak foudre for 12 months. |
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|
Olifants River | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£293.33 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£155.99 |
|||||
Vinous (95)The 2018 Soldaat is pure Grenache Noir from Piekenierskloof. It offers earthy red berry fruit on the nose, touches of wild heather and fynbos emerging with time and lending wonderful complexity. The palate is well balanced with a fleshy opening. There are layers of vibrant red cherry and strawberry fruit laced with white pepper and sage toward the persistent finish. Yet there is an approachability to this Soldaat that means it will be difficult to resist in its youth. |
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|
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£127.19 |
|||||
Vinous (95+)The 2018 Treinspoor is pure Tinta Barocca from Swartland aged in old foudres. Its perfumed bouquet is much more floral than the Pofadder, with incense and pressed iris flower infusing the red berry fruit, and displays wonderful energy and precision. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a crisp, quite saline finish that lingers long in the mouth. I noticed it tightening up in the glass, and maybe this will shut down for a while, so drink soon or cellar for several years. |
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|
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£552.80 |
|||||
Vinous (96)The 2021 Treinspoor is Sadie's Tinta Barocca that the man himself likens to Nebbiolo, also opining that it is a wine that needs considerable ageing. These vines were planted in 1974, and the blend includes 40% whole clusters. It has a complex, succinctly defined bouquet with melted tar and graphite infused dark berry fruit, a hint of Lapsang Souchong. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, perfectly-tuned acidity, almost Burgundian in texture yet with more pepperiness towards the finish. So elegant and harmonious - this is stunning from every angle you look at it. |
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|
Western Cape | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£88.13 |
|||||
|
Saurwein Nom Pinot Noir 2022 exemplifies the pinnacle of fine viticulture from the renowned Burgundy region. Crafted by the esteemed Saurwein family, this exquisite Pinot Noir is nurtured in meticulously selected vineyards that benefit from the region’s unique terroir. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, ensuring unparalleled quality. Employing traditional vinification techniques, the fermentation process occurs in open-top stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise temperature control and the preservation of the grape’s delicate aromatics. The wine undergoes extended lees ageing in French oak barrels, imparting subtle complexity and enhancing its silky texture. Saurwein’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in every bottle, reflecting their dedication to environmental stewardship and exceptional craftsmanship. The Nom Pinot Noir 2022 offers a harmonious balance of elegance and depth, making it a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking a refined and memorable wine experience. |
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|
Western Cape | 1 | 90 (VN (NM)) |
Inc. VAT
£88.13 |
|||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (90)The 2023 Pinot Noir Nom is made in a low-intervention way from vines located at 700m altitude on red oxidised soils, matured in 25% new oak for ten months. It has an expressive bouquet with red cherry and raspberry fruit, open-knit if not quite as complex as the '24. Good vigour, with the 10-15% whole bunch imparting black pepper notes on the finish. Very fine. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN (NM)) |
Inc. VAT
£921.60 |
|||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)This bottle of the 2015 Columella is better than the one poured blind at the 10-Year-On tasting in London just a few weeks earlier. It has a floral bouquet with black plum, blueberry and light garrigue scents, the whole bunch imparting a subtle pepperiness. The palate is quite sweet on the entry, the tannins saturated and just a little glossier than the '12. Fine grip, but backward on the finish, suggesting that this will benefit from continued time in the cellar. Tasted at the Columella vertical in Hong Kong. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£714.00 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2016 Columella was matured for 12 months in 10% new oak and then 12 months in old foudres. There is something warm and comforting about the nose: blueberry, crushed violet, a touch of burning embers, almost a damp clay scent. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin, the Syrah not as pronounced as previous vintages (a policy pursued by Eben as he increased Grenache), and delivering gentle grip toward the slightly peppered finish and long, black-pepper-tinged aftertaste. Very impressive. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (DC) |
In Bond
£645.00 |
|||||
Decanter (98)Complex nose already: beautifully exuberant nose of damsons and flowers – the Carignan really coming through at this early stage. A herbal, stemmy element is also quite noticeable but well balanced. Full-bodied on the palate but only just, with a lovely sense of fluidity, slightly granular tannins and fine acidity – everything is in its place, and is delicious now, but will improve and build further complexity. If possible, wait until 2026 to broach. Long, so expressive and unique. Various soils: granite, slate, clay, gravel. Three weeks' fermentation and three weeks maceration in 3,300L open-top concrete fermenters. Aged for 12 months on the lees in small barrels (5% new), then a further 12 months on fine lees in large wooden foudres. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. |
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|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
£810.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98)From the first sniff, the 2020 Columella is an instant champion that is pointing and swinging for the fence. With its fresh frame of fruit and expertly layered oaky essences, the wine is incredibly complex as it bursts from the glass with precision and finesse. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, the Columella somersaults into a phantasmagoria of bright crunchy red fruit flavors and seductive floral essences that makes my head spin. Collectors will take note and add a couple of bottles of this to their cellar. It’s an absolutely stellar bottling that will age gracefully for decades. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
£700.00 |
|||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£241.20 |
|||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 3 | 97+ (WA) |
In Bond
£777.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97+)Chenin Blanc vines for this wine were planted in 1905, so the winery believes, although the records are not totally clear. The site has decomposed granite over alluvial soils and quartz. These conditions add to the textural volume of The Sadie Family's 2023 Stellenbosch Old Vine Series Mev. Kirsten and its beautiful sense of phenolic richness. The bouquet is crisp and bright with crunchy fruit, pithy apple, pear and tart pomelo fruit that adds lasting freshness. The mouthfeel proceeds with silky viscosity and complexity that can only be achieved with old-vine fruit. However, the wine also manages impressive vertical lift and tension. Like the other white wines in this series, aging takes place for 12 months in old foudre. Given the growing conditions at a moderate 185 meters above sea level, the Mev. Kirsten carries the most fruit weight in this series of Chenin Blancs (or Steen) from different denominations. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
£95.00 |
|||||
Vinous (96)The 2018 Pofadder in Eben Sadie’s Cinsault from Swartland. This is complex and intellectual, yet utterly compelling, with beautifully detailed brambly red berry fruit, fennel, thyme and fynbos scents that blossom with aeration. The very detailed palate displays filigreed tannins, incredible focus and arresting purity through to the lightly spiced finish. This is one of the best from Sadie this vintage. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
£84.00 |
|||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (VN (NM)) |
In Bond
£117.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (95)The 2017 Skerpioen has gotten even better compared to when I tasted it just after bottling. This has a glorious bouquet with scents of beeswax, yellow fruit, just a light touch of oatmeal, astounding delineation and freshness. The palate is fresh and saline, quite linear and, as I suggested back then, quite Chablis-like in terms of its marine/oyster shell influence. Tensile, tightly coiled on the finish, there is little not to love about this Chenin and Palomino blend. Tasted at the Columella vertical in Hong Kong. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 91 (VN) |
In Bond
£120.00 |
|||||
Vinous (91)The 2018 Skerpioen, a field blend of Chenin Blanc and Palomino, has a detailed bouquet of pressed white flowers, honeysuckle and dried apricot aromas that blossom with aeration. The palate is taut and fresh, and the saline finish remains tight and linear, perhaps just tapering a little earlier than I might have liked. Otherwise, this is very fine. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£160.80 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2019 Skerpioen has a well-defined bouquet of pine cones, lanolin and wild fennel aromas that gains intensity with air. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, full of energy and vigor, and slightly waxy in texture. Chamomile and touches of Turkish delight appear on the finish. Stand back and watch this blossom in the glass. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | - |
In Bond
£91.00 |
|||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£92.00 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2021 Skerpioen is the Chenin Blanc and Palomino blend grown on limestone soils close to the coast that is matured in foudres with 10-11 months on the lees. It has a well-defined bouquet with iodine and saline notes on the nose that is slightly more neutral in style compared to Sadie's other whites. The palate is very well balanced, again, quite neutral in style, very saline with shades of nutmeg and lemon thyme, a saline tang surfacing towards the persistent finish. Uncompromising...in a positive sense of the word. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 94 (WA) |
In Bond
£405.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (94)The Sadie Family's 2023 Swartland Old Vine Series Skerpioen is Chenin Blanc and Palomino planted together on white limestone soils with a sandy top layer. The Chenin Blanc is picked on the underripe side, and the Palomino is picked ripe and golden yellow in color. "I am site-driven, not variety-driven," says Winemaker Eben Sadie. "My goal is to make the most honest wine from a singular site." I love the intensity of the Skerpioen, which is delivered vertically in terms of the brightness of its aromas and horizontally in terms of the pretty richness of the mouthfeel. There are hints of waxy Meyer lemon, sea salt and a hint of rubber latex. It matures in old acacia and oak foudre for 12 months. |
|||||||||
|
|
Olifants River | 1 | - |
In Bond
£241.00 |
|||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
£127.00 |
|||||
Vinous (95)The 2018 Soldaat is pure Grenache Noir from Piekenierskloof. It offers earthy red berry fruit on the nose, touches of wild heather and fynbos emerging with time and lending wonderful complexity. The palate is well balanced with a fleshy opening. There are layers of vibrant red cherry and strawberry fruit laced with white pepper and sage toward the persistent finish. Yet there is an approachability to this Soldaat that means it will be difficult to resist in its youth. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 95+ (VN) |
In Bond
£103.00 |
|||||
Vinous (95+)The 2018 Treinspoor is pure Tinta Barocca from Swartland aged in old foudres. Its perfumed bouquet is much more floral than the Pofadder, with incense and pressed iris flower infusing the red berry fruit, and displays wonderful energy and precision. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a crisp, quite saline finish that lingers long in the mouth. I noticed it tightening up in the glass, and maybe this will shut down for a while, so drink soon or cellar for several years. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
£440.00 |
|||||
Vinous (96)The 2021 Treinspoor is Sadie's Tinta Barocca that the man himself likens to Nebbiolo, also opining that it is a wine that needs considerable ageing. These vines were planted in 1974, and the blend includes 40% whole clusters. It has a complex, succinctly defined bouquet with melted tar and graphite infused dark berry fruit, a hint of Lapsang Souchong. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, perfectly-tuned acidity, almost Burgundian in texture yet with more pepperiness towards the finish. So elegant and harmonious - this is stunning from every angle you look at it. |
|||||||||
|
|
Western Cape | 1 | - |
In Bond
£70.00 |
|||||
|
Saurwein Nom Pinot Noir 2022 exemplifies the pinnacle of fine viticulture from the renowned Burgundy region. Crafted by the esteemed Saurwein family, this exquisite Pinot Noir is nurtured in meticulously selected vineyards that benefit from the region’s unique terroir. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, ensuring unparalleled quality. Employing traditional vinification techniques, the fermentation process occurs in open-top stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise temperature control and the preservation of the grape’s delicate aromatics. The wine undergoes extended lees ageing in French oak barrels, imparting subtle complexity and enhancing its silky texture. Saurwein’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in every bottle, reflecting their dedication to environmental stewardship and exceptional craftsmanship. The Nom Pinot Noir 2022 offers a harmonious balance of elegance and depth, making it a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking a refined and memorable wine experience. |
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|
|
Western Cape | 1 | 90 (VN (NM)) |
In Bond
£70.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (90)The 2023 Pinot Noir Nom is made in a low-intervention way from vines located at 700m altitude on red oxidised soils, matured in 25% new oak for ten months. It has an expressive bouquet with red cherry and raspberry fruit, open-knit if not quite as complex as the '24. Good vigour, with the 10-15% whole bunch imparting black pepper notes on the finish. Very fine. |
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